Easy Cabbage Roll Creations for Weeknight Dinners 🥢🌿
1. Introduction
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare? Cabbage roll recipes are the answer! This recipe for easy cabbage roll creations offers a simplified and delicious take on classic stuffed cabbage. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory flavors with tender cabbage leaves, baked to perfection in a flavorful tomato sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, these cabbage rolls recipe will become a new staple in your dinner rotation.
2. Ingredients for This Cabbage Roll Recipe
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Cabbage Rolls
Preparing the Cabbage
Start by carefully removing the core of the cabbage and blanching the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft enough to roll. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the leaves to an ice bath to cool, then peel off the leaves gently and set aside.
Making the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls
Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go to secure the filling inside.
Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
Lay the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cabbage Rolls
Let the cooked cabbage rolls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls, and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Cabbage Roll Creation
Serve your cabbage roll casserole with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad. For added flavor, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. You can also try pairing it with other comfort foods like lemon chicken Romano or lasagna soup for a hearty dinner night.
6. Common Questions (FAQs) about Cabbage Roll Recipes
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are healthy alternatives that work well in this recipe. Adjust seasonings as needed for your taste.
How long does it take to prepare these cabbage rolls?
The overall preparation and baking process takes approximately 1 hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Are there any vegetarian options?
Yes, substitute the meat with cooked lentils, beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian and filling dish.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
To make this recipe even easier, consider using high-quality kitchen tools. Check out these essentials:
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for chopping onions and garlic quickly and evenly, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Use it for slow-cooking the cabbage rolls to lock in flavor and tenderness.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures non-stick performance for easy cooking and cleanup.
8. Related Delicious Recipes to Try
9. Conclusion
This cabbage roll recipes for easy cabbage roll creations makes a wholesome, flavorful dinner with minimal fuss. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this delicious meal. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a classic taste with a modern twist. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make this dish your own masterpiece!
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Easy Cabbage Roll Creations for Weeknight Dinners
Generous cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and rice, baked to perfection with tomato sauce, served hot and garnished with fresh herbs.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Core the cabbage and carefully peel off large leaves. Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground meat, cook until browned. Mix in cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- Lay cabbage leaves flat, spoon filling onto each leaf, and roll tightly.
- Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or vegetarian protein.
- For extra flavor, add paprika or cumin to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Baking, simmering, blanching
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg