The Ultimate Cabbage Rolls Recipe

When it comes to hearty comfort food that warms your soul, few dishes compare to the classic Cabbage Rolls. These little bundles of joy are packed with savory, meaty filling, nestled in tender cabbage leaves, and smothered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or just looking for a meal that hits all the right notes, cabbage rolls are the ultimate solution. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step, share some tips to make this dish shine, and even toss in a few variations to keep things fresh and exciting!

Cabbage Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re a tradition. With roots in cuisines around the world, this dish has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s wholesome, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences, whether you want a classic version, a spicy twist, or even a vegetarian option.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also practical. You can make it ahead of time, freeze it, and reheat it when you’re ready. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’re looking to bring people together over a meal that feels like a warm hug, this is the one.

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage:

• 1 head cabbage

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.25 ounces) condensed tomato soup
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

For the Filling:

• 1 pound andouille sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Cabbage Rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Carefully add the whole cabbage head to the pot (tongs make this easier).
3. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 7-10 minutes until the cabbage is soft.
4. Drain the cabbage and let it cool slightly before handling.
5. Once cool, peel off the outer leaves gently. Trim the tough center vein at the base of each leaf. Aim for 12 large leaves, and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
2. Stir until well combined, then set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a separate large bowl, combine the andouille sausage, ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, and ½ cup of the prepared sauce.
2. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Spread ½ cup of the sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Add ½ cup of the filling to the center.
3. Fold the sides of the leaf inward and roll tightly to secure the filling.
4. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
2. After 1 hour, remove the foil, baste the rolls with the sauce, and bake uncovered for another 10-12 minutes. Optional: Top with some shredded cheese.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Expert Tips and Tricks:

• Blanching the Cabbage: Boil the cabbage just enough to soften the leaves without overcooking. This ensures they’re pliable but not mushy.
• Even Filling: Use a measuring cup to portion the filling evenly for uniform rolls.
• No Waste: Save any leftover cabbage to chop and add to soups or stir-fries.
• Layer for Flavor: Place extra cabbage leaves at the bottom of the dish before adding the rolls to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Freeze Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick future meal.

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15 Variations of Cabbage Rolls:

1. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
2. Vegetarian: Swap the meat for a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa.
3. Cheesy: Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the filling.
4. Mediterranean: Use ground lamb, feta cheese, and mint.
5. Asian-Inspired: Season with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and serve with a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
6. Tex-Mex: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling.
7. Seafood: Use ground shrimp or crab instead of meat.
8. Turkey and Wild Rice: Swap beef and sausage for ground turkey and cooked wild rice.
9. Sweet and Savory: Mix raisins and a pinch of cinnamon into the filling.
10. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the filling and sauce to stuff bell peppers instead.
11. Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
12. BBQ Flavor: Swap the tomato sauce for barbecue sauce.
13. Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, including rice and seasonings.
14. Italian-Style: Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the filling.
15. Breakfast Rolls: Use ground breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs to the filling.

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What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls (15 Options):

1. Mashed potatoes
2. Garlic bread
3. Roasted vegetables
4. Caesar salad
5. Steamed green beans
6. Baked sweet potatoes
7. Buttered noodles
8. Potato salad
9. Creamed spinach
10. Coleslaw
11. Pickled beets
12. Crusty French bread
13. Cornbread
14. Fried plantains
15. Sauerkraut

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Storage Tips:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

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How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

For a family gathering of 6-8 people, I recommend doubling the recipe to ensure everyone has at least 2 rolls, plus leftovers. If you’re serving a larger crowd or pairing the rolls with multiple side dishes, adjust accordingly.

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How Far in Advance Can I Make Cabbage Rolls?

You can prepare cabbage rolls up to 2 days in advance. Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled dish.