Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

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🌿 Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something truly soul-satisfying about a dish that’s been passed down through generations, and Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls are just that—hearty, flavorful, and nostalgic. These traditional cabbage rolls are stuffed with a rich blend of lean ground beef, tender cooked rice, savory onions, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Baked in a simple yet robust homemade tomato sauce, each bite melts in your mouth, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.

Whether you grew up eating cabbage rolls or are trying them for the first time, this classic family recipe is sure to win you over with its simplicity and taste. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, or make-ahead freezer meals, these rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves traditional comfort food with a twist.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head of green cabbage – The star of the show. Its large, pliable leaves become the perfect wrap for the filling once softened.

1 cup cooked long-grain rice – Adds tenderness and helps bind the filling together, absorbing juices as it bakes.

1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or extra lean) – Provides protein and rich, meaty flavor. Leaner cuts reduce grease in the final dish.

1 large egg – Acts as a natural binder to hold the filling together.

1 yellow onion, finely minced – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling. Mincing ensures even flavor distribution.

1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Enhances umami flavor and adds complexity to the meat mixture.

Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cups reserved cabbage water – Infused with subtle cabbage flavor, it adds body and nutrition to the sauce.

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes – Forms the rich, savory base of the sauce.

1 tablespoon brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.

1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice – Brightens the sauce with a bit of acidity.

1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a mellow, garlicky depth.

Salt & pepper, to taste – Rounds out the flavors of the sauce.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully lower in the whole head of cabbage.

Boil for 10–12 minutes until outer leaves are tender.

Remove and let cool. As it cools, peel off softened leaves, cut out the thick core from each leaf, and set aside.

If needed, re-boil the cabbage as you work to loosen more layers.

> 🧠 Pro Tip: Don't over-boil or the leaves will tear easily. You want them tender but still sturdy enough to hold the filling.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ground beef, egg, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat to keep the texture tender.

3. Roll the Cabbage

Lay a leaf flat. Add about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of the leaf.

Fold sides inward, then roll from the base to the tip to seal.

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

> 🧠 Pro Tip: If a leaf tears, layer two smaller leaves together for extra strength.

4. Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Layer a few extra cabbage leaves at the bottom of a deep 9×13” baking dish to prevent sticking.

Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, tightly packed.

5. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine reserved cabbage water, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.

6. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Bake for 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, until cabbage is fork-tender and sauce is bubbling.

> ⚠️ Caution: When removing the foil, watch out for hot steam.

7. Rest & Serve

Let the dish rest for 20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Discard the top layer of cabbage if desired.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

To turn this dish into a complete meal:

Side salad: Toss fresh greens with cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and vinaigrette.

Crusty bread or garlic toast: Perfect for mopping up the rich tomato sauce.

Dessert idea: Finish with a classic fudge brownie or a lemon bar for a sweet contrast.

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❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Traditional, homey flavors that transport you back to grandma’s kitchen.

Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find.

Great for meal prep – tastes even better the next day.

Freezer-friendly – freeze before or after baking for a future comfort meal.

> 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re making a double batch, use a large roasting pan or two dishes and freeze half for later.

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🔚 Final Thoughts: The Best Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

These Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls are a delicious nod to classic home cooking—simple, nourishing, and loaded with flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, you’ll have a meal that’s worthy of any dinner table. Whether you're feeding your family or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress without stress.

So why wait? Give this beloved comfort dish a try and experience the magic of a timeless favorite that continues to warm hearts and bellies.

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Craving more comforting classics? Bookmark this recipe and share it with your friends—because good food is meant to be shared.

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onalrecipes #beefrecipes #homemadecabbagerolls

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