Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe features tender cabbage leaves filled with a delicious mixture of ground pork, ground turkey, and rice, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce. A perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, these stuffed cabbage rolls are a satisfying meal for family dinners or special occasions. Whether baked in the oven or simmered on the stovetop, this classic dish is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients like cabbage, meat, and vegetables. Make it ahead of time, freeze, or enjoy immediately – either way, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice (uncooked, to make 6 cups cooked rice)
• 2 medium cabbages
• 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 (such as Mrs. Dash)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp sea salt, divided

Instructions

Preparing the Rice and Cabbage:

1. Rinse the rice and add it to a large saucepan with 3 1/2 cups of water, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp sea salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
2. Fill a large soup pot with water, about 2/3 full, and bring to a boil. Add 1/2 Tbsp salt and 4 Tbsp vinegar.
3. Peel and discard the outer leaves of both cabbages. Use a knife to remove the cores. Place the first cabbage in the boiling water, cork side down, for 5 minutes. Flip the cabbage and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Peel off the softened leaves as they become tender. Continue until all large leaves are removed, then repeat with the second cabbage. Reserve 4 cups of cooking water for later use.

Preparing the Stuffing:

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the ground pork, ground turkey, and cooked rice.
2. Grate 4 carrots and sauté them in a large pan with 3 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat until softened. Add 1 cup marinara sauce and sauté for another minute. Stir this mixture into the meat and rice, then add the 2 eggs, 1 Tbsp salt, and mix well.

Making the Cabbage Rolls:

1. For large leaves, cut them in half along the center stem, removing the tough stem portion. Place 2 Tbsp of the meat mixture at the top of each leaf (adjust the portion based on the size of the leaves). Roll the leaf into a cone shape, folding the thicker base and stuffing the thinner top inside. Layer the stuffed cabbage rolls in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
2. For small leaves, slice off the raised stem surface to flatten the leaves. Fill each leaf with about 2 Tbsp of the meat mixture, place it over the bottom stem portion, then roll it like a burrito and tuck in the ends.

Making the Sauce:

1. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the remaining 2 grated carrots with 1 tsp salt-free seasoning (like Mrs. Dash) until softened. Add 1 Tbsp sour cream and 1 cup marinara sauce, and cook for another minute before removing from heat.
2. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls and add enough of the reserved cabbage water to almost cover the rolls (approximately 2 1/2 to 3 cups).

Cooking the Cabbage Rolls:

• Oven Method: If using a Dutch oven, cover and bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes in the bottom third of the oven. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional hour.
• Stovetop Method: If using a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the cabbage rolls to a light boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful meat and rice filling, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, combined with the tender texture of the cabbage and meat, makes this dish a family favorite. Whether baked in the oven or simmered on the stovetop, these cabbage rolls are easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Use Different Meats: Feel free to substitute the ground pork and turkey with ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, use a combination of cooked lentils, quinoa, or mushrooms to replace the meat filling.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or your favorite spices to the filling or sauce to give the dish a little extra kick.
• Freezing: You can prepare these stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time and freeze them. Simply freeze uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them and proceed with the recipe as usual.
• Make-Ahead: These cabbage rolls can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop even more with time!

FAQs

• Can I use regular white rice instead of cooking it first?
  It’s best to cook the rice first to avoid it becoming too hard or undercooked during the cabbage roll cooking process.
• How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
  The cabbage rolls should be tender and the meat inside should be fully cooked. You can check by cutting one open to ensure it is cooked through.
• Can I use pre-cooked rice?
  Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice, but reduce the cooking time for the rice in the recipe. Just be sure to add the rice to the meat mixture after it has cooled down.

Serving

Serve these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. They’re perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal with loved ones. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Suggestions

Pair these stuffed cabbage rolls with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, for a complete meal. These rolls also go well with a tangy side like pickled cucumbers or a light, refreshing coleslaw. Enjoy with a glass of red wine or iced tea to round out the meal!