Cabbage Rolls
Homemade Cabbage Rolls: A Savory Comfort Food Classic with Perfect Pairings
Cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table. This classic dish, made with tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory ground beef filling and baked in a rich tomato sauce, is a favorite across many cultures. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this cabbage roll recipe is simple yet delicious. Plus, we’ve included the best side dishes to serve alongside for a perfectly balanced meal!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Classic and Hearty: A satisfying mix of ground beef, rice, and vegetables wrapped in tender cabbage.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze for a quick and delicious dinner anytime.
Ingredients for the Best Cabbage Rolls
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head Cabbage
- 1½ lb Ground Beef
- ¼ cup Onion, diced
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- ½ cup Instant Rice
- 1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
- ½ cup Peppers, diced
- 1 can Condensed Tomato Soup
- ½ cup Water
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cabbage:
- Bring a large Dutch Oven filled with water to a boil.
- Secure a fork into the core of the cabbage and lower it into the boiling water.
- Let it boil for about 2 minutes until the leaves turn bright green and become pliable.
- Remove the cabbage and allow it to cool before handling.
Making the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, rice, parsley, diced peppers, salt, and pepper.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:
- Carefully separate 8 large leaves from the cabbage head.
- Place one-eighth of the meat mixture onto each leaf, fold the ends over, and roll tightly.
- Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Baking the Cabbage Rolls:
- Pour the undiluted condensed tomato soup evenly over the cabbage rolls.
- Add ½ cup of water to the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Cabbage Rolls
Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavors of cabbage rolls.
1. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy cheesy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing. Their buttery, smooth texture balances the tangy tomato sauce of the cabbage rolls.
2. Cranberry and Almond Green Beans
Cranberry and Almond Green Beans is a medley of green beans, cranberries, and almonds adds color and nutrition to your plate while bringing out natural sweetness.
3. Crusty Bread
Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce.
4. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad
Caramel apple cheesecake salad, with its rich caramel sweetness, tart apple crispness, and creamy cheesecake smoothness, perfectly balances the hearty, savory flavors of cabbage rolls, adding a refreshing and indulgent finish to the meal.
5. Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Cinnamon coffee cake provides a warm, sweet contrast that perfectly rounds out a hearty meal of savory cabbage rolls.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
- Use Fresh Cabbage: Choose a firm, fresh cabbage head with large, pliable leaves for easy rolling.
- Make Ahead: Cabbage rolls can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for Later: Unbaked cabbage rolls freeze well. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add shredded carrots, mushrooms, or ground pork for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This cabbage rolls recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking for a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you serve it with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry and Almond Green Beans, or Cinnamon coffee cake, you’re sure to impress your family and guests with this delicious dish. Try it today and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of homemade cabbage rolls!
Have You Tried This Recipe?
Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite side dishes to serve with cabbage rolls!
Cabbage Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Medium Bowl
- 1 9×13 Baking Dish
- 1 Large Dutch Oven Pan
Ingredients
- 1 head Cabbage
- 1½ lb Ground Beef
- ¼ cup Onion diced
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- ½ cup Instant Rice
- 1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
- ½ cup Peppers diced
- 1 can Condensed Tomato Soup
- ½ cup Water
- 1 Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a Dutch Oven pan of water to a boil. Stick a fork firmly and securely into the core of the cabbage. Using the fork, lower the cabbage into the boiling water until the leaves turn a bright green color and wilt. It will take about 2 minutes. Remove from the water and allow to cool before handling.
- In a medium bowl add the ground beef, onion, garlic, rice, parsley, peppers, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Separate 8 leaves from the head of cabbage. Place one eighth of the meat mixture on to the leaves. Fold the end and roll up. Place seam side down in a greased 9×13 baking pan.
- Pour the undiluted condensed tomato soup over the top of the cabbage rolls. Pour the ½ cup of water over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour.
- Allow to cool briefly before serving.
