Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Discover the perfect homemade cabbage rolls recipe, packed with flavorful ground meat, tender rice, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This recipe combines juicy pork, lean turkey, and fluffy rice, all wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and simmered to perfection. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, these stuffed cabbage rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.

With step-by-step instructions and tips for cooking in the oven or stovetop, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to suit your preferences. Plus, learn how to store, reheat, and adapt this dish for variations like using quinoa or adding herbs.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups white rice (uncooked) – makes about 6 cups cooked
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 eggs
• 6 medium carrots, divided
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 6 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp salt-free seasoning (e.g., Mrs. Dash)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp sea salt, divided

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 2 medium cabbages
• 4 cups reserved water from boiling cabbage

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Rice and Cabbage

1. Cook the rice:
   Rinse 2 cups of rice and place it in a large saucepan. Add 3 1/2 cups water, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until water is fully absorbed.
2. Boil the cabbage:
   Fill 2/3 of a large soup pot with water and bring to a boil. Add 4 Tbsp vinegar and 1/2 Tbsp salt.
   • Remove the outer leaves from the cabbages and cut out the cores.
   • Submerge one cabbage, core-side down, in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Flip it over and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
   • As the leaves soften, gently pull them off with tongs. Transfer cooked leaves to a platter to cool.
   • Repeat with the second cabbage. Reserve 4 cups of the cooking water.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Grate 4 carrots. Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the grated carrots until softened.
2. Stir in 1 cup marinara sauce and cook for 1 minute.
3. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine the cooked rice, ground pork, ground turkey, sautéed carrots, 2 eggs, and 1 Tbsp salt. Mix thoroughly.

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Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. For large leaves:
   • Cut the leaves in half along the stem and remove the tough center portion.
   • Place 2 Tbsp of the meat mixture at the top of each leaf. Roll into a cone shape, tucking in the edges as you go.
2. For smaller leaves:
   • Flatten the thick stem by slicing off the raised part.
   • Place 2 Tbsp of meat mixture near the stem end, roll like a burrito, and tuck in both ends.
3. Arrange the rolls in layers in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.

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Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Grate the remaining 2 carrots. Sauté in 2 Tbsp olive oil until softened.
2. Add 1 tsp Mrs. Dash, 1 Tbsp sour cream, and 1 cup marinara sauce. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
3. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls. Add 2 1/2 to 3 cups of the reserved cabbage water to nearly cover the rolls.

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Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

Oven Method (Preferred):

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the bottom third of the oven for 20-25 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional hour.

Stovetop Method:

1. Bring the pot to a light boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.

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Tips

• Prevent tearing: Work carefully when removing cabbage leaves. Softening them in boiling water makes this easier.
• Testing for seasoning: Fry a small patty of the filling mixture to taste-test before assembling rolls.
• Layering: Place tougher outer cabbage leaves at the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
• Substitute ground beef or chicken for pork or turkey.
• Add chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or dill) to the filling for extra flavor.

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FAQs

How can I store leftover cabbage rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Yes, but red cabbage may take longer to soften and has a slightly different flavor.

Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, pre-cooking ensures the rice is fully cooked and helps absorb flavors from the filling.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
• Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: A hearty, traditional dish perfect for family dinners.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

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This Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!