Introduction
Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. This traditional recipe features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is a great way to enjoy a timeless recipe that is both delicious and satisfying. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a taste of home cooking.
How to Make Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 large size head cabbage (about 3–5 pounds)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, cooled white rice
- 3 cans (10.75 oz each) tomato soup
Directions:
- Prep the cabbage: Boil the cabbage, remove leaves, and cut out the middle stem.
- Make the meat mixture: Combine pork, beef, rice, garlic, eggs, onion, ketchup, parsley, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and 2/3 of tomato soup.
- Assemble: Stuff cabbage leaves with meat mixture and roll.
- Bake: Arrange rolls in a baking pan with tomato soup, cover with foil, and bake.
How to Serve Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, topped with some of the tomato soup sauce they were cooked in. Pair them with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Use a deep baking pan to fit all the cabbage rolls comfortably.
- Be careful not to overfill the cabbage leaves to ensure they can be rolled easily.
- Adjust the seasoning of the meat mixture to suit your taste preferences.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and pork with a mix of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa for a flavorful and meat-free alternative.
FAQs
- Can I freeze Mom’s Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls? Yes, you can freeze the cooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use different types of rice in this recipe? Yes, you can use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice for added nuttiness and texture.
- Can I substitute the tomato soup with tomato sauce? Yes, you can use tomato sauce mixed with a bit of water and seasonings for a lighter sauce option.