Eastern European cuisine is probably one of my favorites when I am looking for something comforting. There is just something about the basic ingredients pulled together to create an absolutely delicious flavor profile. This traditional stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is loaded with flavor without needing tons of ingredients. To me, that is a feat worth mentioning, and this is a recipe worth making.
Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
As a child, if you had told me that cabbage would turn into one of my favorite vegetables, I would have laughed in your face. How does that seem to happen? So many of the foods I didn't like as a child are now the most comforting and delicious foods on my menu. That is definitely the case with stuffed cabbage rolls. I thought they were boring when I was a kid, but now, they have been transformed into something that I absolutely love.
Comfort foods are always rich in flavor, but sometimes they are light and sometimes heavy. This recipe is one that I feel is a little of both. While the filling is rich with meat and rice, the overall meal feels lighter than some. I think it fits in my routine alongside homemade egg noodles and homemade chicken noodle soup for the recipes I reach for most often when I am feeling down or not well. I hope this recipe brings comfort to you as well as it has to me!
What's the Best Cabbage For These Rolls?
Nothing beats an everyday head of green cabbage. While napa cabbage and even endive are common options for other meals, this is the one time I won't recommend that. Instead, your ordinary cabbage is the best choice. Red cabbage also works well, but I tend to reach for green over red most times.
How Can I Add More Flavor to Cabbage Rolls?
I have seen people ask about what other ways you can add flavor to cabbage rolls. Since this recipe focuses on the vegetables more, you only see salt and pepper in my ingredients. To some people, that may seem like it would mean this is bland and flavorless, but I find it to be the opposite. There is a reason why onion, carrots, and garlic are a huge part of almost every meal. They are so rich in flavor!
Some people however want a more developed flavor profile. In that case, there is nothing wrong with adapting the recipe to fit your personal taste buds a bit better. If you want to add more herbs or flavor to this recipe, a few ideas are below that would fit this overall recipe profile.
- Add in additional minced garlic cloves.
- Mix in chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives.
- Use tomato juice in place of tomato sauce.
- Replace the chicken broth with beef broth.
- Add a dash of Tabasco or other hot sauce to the tomato sauce and broth or a kick of heat.
What Ground Meat Should I Add?
This is where the term traditional in this recipe will probably cause a bit of controversy. You've probably only seen cabbage rolls made with ground beef, but I used ground chicken. Why did I choose ground chicken? Well, honestly because I like to use ground chicken when possible. It works best in richer sauced items like this recipe since much of the flavor is from the vegetables and sauce rather than the meat.
You can use ground beef, ground turkey, ground pork, or even a combination of them if you prefer. Sausage is another option you could add into your rolls if you prefer. It would add a richer spicier flavor and could become a new favorite option for cabbage rolls. The meat used in them is important, but not nearly as important as the vegetables and sauce that provide that classic flavor.
Ingredients
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Onion
- Cooked rice
- Ground chicken
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauce
- Chicken broth
How to make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add in onions, carrots, and half of the salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken with cooked rice and vegetables then stir to combine and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove cabbage leaves from the head.
Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot making sure the water is generously salted.
Add leaves 2-3 cabbage leaves into the water at a time boiling them for 2-3 minutes until just softened. Remove from the water and set aside to cool.
Once the cabbage has cooled, cut the hard stem from each leaf.
Gather the ends at the base and place a generous amount of the chicken filling at the top of the leaf, then roll folding burrito style. Watch the video for a visual tutorial.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and broth. Add any additional herbs if desired.
Spread a small amount of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9"x13" casserole dish.
Lay the cabbage rolls in an even layer on the bottom of the pan then cover with remaining sauce.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top begins to brown.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Chef's Tip
Since this recipe is a bit more labor intensive, you may want to make these in larger batches. If that is the case, I highly recommend making 3-4 batches to freeze for future meals. Just follow the directions as shown and then layer into a disposable baking pan that has been covered well and labeled.
More Comfort Food Recipes
Comfort food is something different to every family, but they all seem to have something similar in common. Rich flavors that make you feel warm and cozy inside. For me, that may be something different than you, but below are a few recipes that I feel are generally considered comforting and sure to please!
- Homestyle Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
- Southern Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Creamy Tomato Risotto Recipe
- Homestyle Baked Chicken Paprikash Recipe
- Best Authentic Shepherd's Pie Recipe
- Creamy Chipped Beef on Sourdough with Chives
📖 Recipe
Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
Follow this simple recipe tutorial to create traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with tomato sauce that are sure to be a new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add in onions, carrots, and half of the salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with cooked rice and vegetables then stir to combine and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove cabbage leaves from the head.
- Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot making sure the water is generously salted.
- Add leaves 2-3 cabbage leaves into the water at a time boiling them for 2-3 minutes until just softened. Remove from the water and set aside to cool.
- Once the cabbage has cooled, cut the hard stem from each leaf.
- Gather the ends at the base and place a generous amount of the chicken filling at the top of the leaf, then roll folding burrito style. Watch the video for a visual tutorial.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and broth. Add any additional herbs if desired.
- Spread a small amount of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9"x13" casserole dish.
- Lay the cabbage rolls in an even layer on the bottom of the pan then cover with remaining sauce.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top begins to brown.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Notes
Use ground beef, gruond pork, ground turkey, or any combination in place of the ground chicken listed.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 123Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 595mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g
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