There’s just something about old-fashioned cabbage rolls that warms the heart and soothes the soul, isn’t there? I remember the first time I had these delightful bundles of goodness. My grandmother spent hours in the kitchen, the savory scent of simmering tomato sauce wafting through the house while she meticulously rolled each one by hand. It felt like a family affair, gathering around the table, sharing stories as we tried not to sneak a taste before they were even on the dinner table.
These cabbage rolls are a comforting classic that can bring everyone together. They’re simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings! Plus, they’re a great way to get your veggies in – a win-win in my book! Let me walk you through how to make these incredible old-fashioned cabbage rolls.
What’s in Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls?
Cabbage: The star of the show! A large head of green cabbage creates these tender, hearty wrappers. The leaves are pliable and perfect for holding all the delicious filling inside.
Ground Beef (or Beef & Pork Mix): The filling needs protein, and I love using a mixture of ground beef and pork for added flavor and richness, but you can stick with just beef if that’s your preference.
Uncooked Rice: This adds substance and texture to the filling. You can use either white or brown rice here – I often go for brown for that extra nutritional punch!
Onion and Garlic: Because, let’s be honest, no savory dish is complete without them! They bring an aromatic goodness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Egg: This acts as a binder to keep the filling cohesive and helps it hold together while cooking.
Salt and Pepper: These are essential in amplifying all the flavors in your filling.
Paprika: Just a teaspoon adds a lovely depth of flavor and a slight smokiness that works wonders.
Tomato Sauce: It’s what gives the rolls their signature tangy flavor. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own – whatever your heart desires!
Tomato Soup (optional): This is purely optional but adds creaminess and enhances the tomato flavor if you decide to use it.
Brown Sugar (optional): A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes, giving a rounded flavor. It’s a little trick I learned from my grandma!
Fresh Dill (optional): Just a sprinkle on top adds a nice touch of freshness and color.
Is Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Good for You?
These cabbage rolls can be quite nutritious! The cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamins K and C, along with fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. Plus, using a mix of **ground beef** and **pork** provides a good source of protein and iron. Opting for **brown rice** can also pack in more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
However, make sure to keep an eye on the sodium content, especially if you’re using canned **tomato soup**. For a healthier twist, you could also swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice if you’re following a low-carb diet – the flavor won’t change much, and it’ll still taste delicious!
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
– 1 large head of green cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
– 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 2 cups tomato sauce (or a combination of tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes)
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato soup (optional)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar (to balance acidity, optional)
– Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
*Serves about 6.*
How to Make Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls?
1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully place it in the boiling water. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves. As they soften, remove them one by one and set them aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef** (or your meat choice), **uncooked rice**, **chopped onion**, **minced garlic**, **beaten egg**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **paprika**. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you get everything ready.
4. Take a cabbage leaf and place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, just like wrapping a burrito. Keep going until you’ve used up all those gorgeous cabbage leaves and filling!
5. In a nice baking dish, spread a layer of **tomato sauce** on the bottom. Then, place your cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, pour the remaining sauce and **tomato soup** over the top and sprinkle with **brown sugar** if desired.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for about 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 15-30 minutes to let the sauce thicken and the rolls cook through.
7. Once they’re cooked, allow them to sit for a few minutes before serving. Maybe sprinkle some **fresh dill** on top if you’re using it, just to jazz it up a little!
If you could smell the aroma wafting from the oven right now, you’d be racing to the kitchen, wouldn’t you?
Serve It Up, My Way!
Personalizing these cabbage rolls is part of the fun! You can play with the spices in the meat mixture or add in some grated carrot or chopped bell pepper for extra flavor and nutrition. If you like your rolls with a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes!
These cabbage rolls can also be a make-ahead meal. You can prep them in advance and store them in the fridge, just pop them in the oven when you’re ready for a comforting dinner. I love serving them with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce or maybe a light salad for a fresh contrast.
So, go ahead and give these old-fashioned cabbage rolls a try! They may just become a new family tradition, just like they did for me. I hope you enjoy making them and that they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine. Let’s get cooking!
