Ah, old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls—just saying the name makes my heart flutter with nostalgia! There’s something about these cozy rolls that instantly transports me back to family dinners, where the aroma of seasoned meat and rice mingled with the warmth of love and laughter. These cabbage rolls are the epitome of comfort food, wrapping delicious flavors in tender cabbage leaves. Trust me, each bite is like a hug from the inside! Not only are they satisfying, but they also remind us of simpler times, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Once you try making these old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, you’ll understand why they’ve been a beloved dish for generations. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls. I like to have everything prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience!
- 1 large head of cabbage: Choose a firm, fresh head for easy rolling. You’ll want to boil it briefly to soften the leaves.
- 1 lb ground beef: I prefer a nice lean blend, but feel free to use your favorite ground meat, like turkey or pork.
- 1/2 cup rice: Uncooked, long-grain rice works best. It’ll cook to perfection while baking in the rolls!
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion adds flavor and sweetness; just chop it finely so it mixes well.
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz): This is essential for that rich, tangy flavor and moisture!
- 1 teaspoon salt: A must to enhance all the flavors in your filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Just a bit of spice to balance the richness of the meat.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: This adds a lovely depth and vibrant color to your rolls.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For a touch of brightness that really brings the filling to life!
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on these delicious old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty for baking later.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, carefully place your whole head of cabbage in the pot and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps soften the leaves, making them easier to roll. After that, remove the cabbage and let it cool.
- While the cabbage is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together thoroughly—your hands work best here, so don’t be shy!
- Now, gently peel off the outer leaves of the cabbage. You’ll need about 10-12 good leaves. Use a sharp knife to trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf; this will help with rolling.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture at the base, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat this with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce and lemon juice, then pour it over the rolls, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get those lovely flavors bubbling. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving!
And there you have it—delicious, comforting cabbage rolls that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Tips for Success
To ensure your old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips!
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Opt for a firm, fresh head of cabbage. Savoy cabbage is a great choice for its tender leaves, but any head will work as long as it’s firm!
- Don’t Skip the Boiling: Boiling the cabbage not only softens the leaves for easy rolling but also helps to enhance the flavor. Just be careful not to overcook it—5 minutes is usually perfect!
- Season Generously: Feel free to tweak the seasonings in your meat mixture. Adding some fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the flavor even more!
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the rolls rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to settle and makes them easier to handle. Plus, they’ll be even more delicious!
- Experiment with Sauces: If you want to switch things up, try adding different sauces on top, like a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese before the last bake. It adds a delightful twist!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most mouthwatering stuffed cabbage rolls that your family will love!
Nutritional Information
These old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Each serving, which consists of 2 rolls, contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this comforting dish while keeping an eye on your nutritional intake!
FAQ About Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven—no need to thaw!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully! You can even use a mix of ground meats for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste!
How do I reheat leftover cabbage rolls?
To reheat, simply place the rolls in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps them moist and delicious!
Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Yes, freezing is a great option! Just make sure to freeze them before baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time to the cooking process.
What should I serve with old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls?
These tasty rolls pair beautifully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of pickles for that extra zing!
Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Comforting and Hearty: These rolls are the ultimate comfort food; each bite is like a warm hug, filled with seasoned meat and tender cabbage.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up even if you’re a kitchen novice. Just follow along, and you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They’re great for making ahead or freezing, so you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready whenever you need it.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces, adding your own twist to this traditional dish while keeping the flavors you love.
- A Family Favorite: These stuffed cabbage rolls are a hit with everyone! They bring people together, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls is super easy! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the rolls if you’re stacking them to avoid sticking.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rolls in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and warm up for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps them moist and delicious, just like when you first made them!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal with old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls even more delightful, consider serving them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery texture pairs wonderfully with the savory rolls! A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and brightness to balance the dish. You might also like to offer some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top of the rolls for that extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the comforting combination!
Z nadrukami
Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Całkowity Czas: 105 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice.
Składniki
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the cabbage for about 5 minutes to soften the leaves.
- Mix ground beef, rice, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture on a cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
- Arrange the rolls in a baking dish.
- Mix tomato sauce and lemon juice, then pour over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Uwagi
- Use firm cabbage for easier rolling.
- Feel free to add herbs like dill for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 75 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Eastern European
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 2 rolls
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls
