Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Recipe for Delicious Meals 🥢🧑🍳✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish but lack the time for traditional stuffed cabbage recipes, this quick and easy cabbage roll recipe is your perfect solution! Combining tender cabbage leaves with flavorful meat and rice filling, these homemade cabbage casseroles are a delicious, wholesome meal that can be prepared in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple method ensures juicy, tasty stuffed cabbage that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for Homemade Cabbage Casserole
- 1 large head of green cabbage or savoy cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cabbage Rolls
Prepare the Cabbage
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and gently peel off outer leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Wrap the Stuffed Cabbage
Place a spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf, then roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Assemble the Cabbage Casserole
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Arrange the cabbage rolls snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. For added flavor, sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.
Bake for Delicious Results
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes if you wish to melt the cheese.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cabbage Rolls
Allow the cabbage casserole to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm in the oven until steaming hot. These leftovers also freeze well for future hearty meals.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Made-from-Scratch Cabbage Roll Dish
Serve this flavorful cabbage casserole with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, pair it with creamy tomato tortellini soup or hearty Asian dumpling soup for a warming winter dinner.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Cabbage Rolls
Can I substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Using turkey or chicken will make the dish leaner, and they work just as well in this cabbage roll recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein, and use vegetable broth. Load the filling with mushrooms, grains, and herbs for added flavor.
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this dish takes approximately 45-50 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with some essential tools. Check out these highly recommended gadgets:
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for crisping up leftovers or preparing sides to accompany your cabbage casserole.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures your pots and pans last longer, making cooking easier and cleanup simpler.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer — For versatile cooking, whether grilling vegetables or reheating leftovers to perfection.
8. Conclusion
This cabbage roll recipe offers a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage without the lengthy preparation time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a hearty homemade cabbage casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Give this flavorful dish a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Recipe for Delicious Meals
A classic comfort dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, baked to perfection and topped with a savory tomato sauce.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rice, ground meat, sautéed onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place a spoonful of filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the rolls are heated through.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before baking.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg