Growing up in an Eastern European household, old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls were more than just a meal; they were a treasured family tradition. I can still remember the warm, inviting aroma that filled our home as my grandmother simmered these delicious rolls in the oven. Wrapped snugly in tender cabbage leaves, the savory filling of ground beef and rice always brought everyone to the dinner table. It’s a dish that symbolizes comfort, love, and togetherness, perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the first bite, with the cabbage leaves melting in your mouth and the rich flavors bursting forth. I’m excited to share this recipe that connects us to our roots and fills our hearts—and bellies—with warmth!
Ingredients List
- 1 large head of cabbage, core removed
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably lean
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika, for a rich flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth, for added moisture and flavor
How to Prepare Instructions
Making old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls is a labor of love, but I promise it’s worth every minute! Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish together.
Prepping the Cabbage
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Carefully lower your cabbage head into the water and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the leaves soften. You’ll want to gently peel off the outer leaves as they loosen; this part can get a little messy, but don’t worry! Just take your time and place the leaves on a clean towel to cool.
Making the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (juice included), tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, just until it’s well combined. Trust me, the aromatic blend will make your mouth water!
Assembling the Rolls
Now comes the fun part! Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of your beef filling at the base. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything secure. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get it just right; you’ll get the hang of it! Place each roll seam side down in your baking dish.
Baking the Rolls
Once all the rolls are assembled, pour the beef broth over them, ensuring they’re nicely coated. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 15 minutes to get that lovely golden finish. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Tips for Success
To make your old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to customize the filling—add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra flavor boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the beef for ground turkey or even a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version. When boiling the cabbage, keep an eye on the leaves; they should be pliable but not falling apart. Oh, and if you have leftover filling, you can use it to make mini meatballs—so delicious! Lastly, serve your rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, it’s nice to know what you’re getting! Each roll is approximately 250 calories, with around 10 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. They also contain about 30 grams of carbohydrates, making them a hearty option. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, dig in and savor every bite without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something about old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. They’re perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings!
- Easy Preparation: While they may look impressive, these rolls are straightforward to make. You’ll find that the steps flow seamlessly, making it a great dish for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of beef, rice, and spices creates a delightful savory filling. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or even try different meats!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty rolls. They’re a fun way to get everyone involved in the cooking process, making it a family affair!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making meal planning a breeze.
FAQ Section
Got questions about making old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! First off, how do I store leftovers? Simply place any uneaten rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and even assemble them a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. As for variations, feel free to experiment with the filling—add some chopped vegetables or swap beef for pork or turkey for a twist! Lastly, what’s the best way to serve them? I love serving these rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top; it adds a lovely touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, I recommend gently warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. You can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Enjoy your comforting leftovers!
Imprimer
Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Temps Total: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Traditional dish of cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory filling.
Ingrédients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the cabbage head in water for 5-10 minutes until leaves are soft.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully remove cabbage leaves and place a spoonful of filling in each leaf.
- Roll the cabbage leaves, tucking in the sides.
- Place the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
- Pour beef broth over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to cut the core of the cabbage for easier leaf removal.
- Feel free to customize the filling with herbs or spices.
- Serve with sour cream for added flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls
