There’s something so heartwarming about old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls that takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandma would whip up a big batch on chilly Sundays. The aroma of savory beef mingled with garlic and the comforting scent of simmering tomatoes would fill the air, making everyone gather around the table. Each cabbage roll is like a little present, tightly wrapped and bursting with flavor. Trust me, the first bite is an explosion of rich, meaty goodness that’s perfectly balanced by the tender cabbage. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, and one I love making for my family now. Honestly, every time I prepare these rolls, I’m transported back to those cozy family dinners, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy!
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making these delicious old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large head of cabbage: Choose a firm, green head for the best leaves.
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef works best for a rich flavor.
- 1 cup cooked rice: You can use white or brown rice—whatever you have on hand.
- 1 onion, chopped: Fresh onion adds a lovely sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for that aromatic flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: This will create a rich and tangy sauce.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and more tomato goodness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that deepens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adjust these to your taste!
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Preparing old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty dish that warms the soul. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it.
- Prep the cabbage: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the whole head of cabbage. Boil for about 5 minutes until the leaves are soft enough to peel off.
- Separate the leaves: Once boiled, gently peel off the leaves, taking care not to tear them. You’ll need about 12-15 leaves for rolling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Roll it up: Place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place the rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this savory mix generously over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Tips for Success
To make sure your old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasonings—taste your filling and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you like a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate those flavors! Also, if you have leftover cabbage leaves, don’t toss them! They can be chopped and added to a soup or stir-fry for extra nutrition. And remember, these rolls freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and enjoy them later—trust me, you’ll thank yourself on a busy night!
Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls are a delightful choice for so many reasons! Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Hearty and filling: Each roll is packed with protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
- Comfort food classic: They bring back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners.
- Meal prep friendly: You can easily make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick dinners later on.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix up the filling with different meats or add more veggies!
- Fun to make: Rolling the cabbage leaves is a great way to get the whole family involved in cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Each serving, which includes two rolls, typically offers around 350 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Regardless, these rolls are a wholesome meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
FAQ Section
If you’ve got questions about making old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work wonderfully if you’re looking for a lighter option.
What if I can’t find cabbage?
Don’t worry! You can substitute with Swiss chard or even large lettuce leaves; they’ll give you a different but delicious twist!
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
They’re ready when they’re bubbling and the meat is cooked through, which takes about an hour in the oven.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for later enjoyment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls is super easy! After they’ve cooled down, place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can safely keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, so they’re perfect for meal prep! If you want to save them for longer, just pop them in the freezer, where they’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen. To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, covering with a damp paper towel to keep them moist—just be careful, they can get hot!
Drucken
Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A classic dish of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture.
Zutaten
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the core from the cabbage and boil the whole head for 5 minutes.
- Carefully peel off the leaves as they soften.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
- Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Notes
- Use any leftover cabbage for soup.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be frozen after cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Eastern European
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 2 rolls
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls
