Embark on a culinary journey back in time with Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage, a comforting and hearty dish that has been warming hearts and homes for generations. This beloved recipe combines the simple, wholesome flavors of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, special gatherings, or a nourishing meal prep option, this dish exemplifies the essence of home-cooked comfort. Discover why this timeless classic continues to be a favorite across cultures, offering a taste of tradition that transcends the ages.
There’s a special kind of magic in recipes that are passed down through the years, and our Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage is a cherished treasure in our family’s culinary heritage. I remember watching my grandmother carefully roll each cabbage leaf, her hands skilled from years of practice, a ritual of love and tradition. It was more than just a recipe; it was a way to bring the family together, to share stories, and to connect with our roots.
As I grew older, the task of making the stuffed cabbage was passed down to me, carrying with it the responsibility of preserving our family’s legacy. Each time I prepare it, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and the warmth of shared memories. This dish has become a symbol of our family’s history, a testament to the power of food to comfort, unite, and celebrate our heritage.
Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage
- Rich History: This dish offers a taste of tradition, connecting you to generations past.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of meat, rice, and spices wrapped in cabbage and cooked in tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying meal.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily tailored to suit dietary preferences, this recipe can be modified to include different meats, grains, or vegetarian options.
- Makes Great Leftovers: Stuffed cabbage tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Ingredients Notes For Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage
- Cabbage: Large, sturdy leaves are ideal for wrapping the filling.
- Meat: A mix of ground beef and pork offers the best flavor, but you can use any ground meat of your choice.
- Rice: Acts as a binder and extender for the meat filling, adding texture and substance.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides the tangy, rich base in which the cabbage rolls are cooked.
- Herbs and Spices: A blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and dill adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Cabbage: Blanch the whole cabbage leaves until they’re pliable, then trim the thick vein from the base of each leaf for easier rolling.
- Make the Filling: Mix together the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onions, garlic, and seasonings.
- Roll the Cabbage: Place a portion of the filling on each cabbage leaf, roll it up, and secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Simmer in Sauce: Arrange the rolls in a pot, cover with tomato sauce, and simmer until the meat is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh dill or sour cream for added flavor.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cabbage and Filling:
- Green cabbage: 1 large head, about 12 leaves needed
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Ground pork: 1/2 lb (225g) (optional, you can use all beef if preferred)
- Cooked rice: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional for added flavor)
For the Sauce:
- Canned tomato sauce: 2 cups (480ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Water or beef broth: 1 cup (240ml)
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage and gently peel off about 12 leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
- Fill the Cabbage Leaves:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling (about 1/4 cup) on the center. Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water or beef broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring until well combined.
- Layer the Cabbage Rolls and Sauce:
- Place a layer of the sauce on the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls.
- Cook:
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and serve with additional sauce spooned over the top.
