Discover a delicious and comforting Cabbage Rolls recipe made with tender savoy cabbage, lean ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, these rolls are easy to make and full of flavor.

These Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for family dinners. Made with tender savoy cabbage leaves, lean ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this recipe will become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients 

• 1 large savoy cabbage
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 medium to large onions
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, Bertolli olive oil, or butter
• 1 cup white or brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 3 Eggland’s Best eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Morton salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cans tomato soup
• 2 small bottles of tomato juice or vegetable cocktail (like V8)
• 1 can or small carton chicken broth

Directions for Making Cabbage Rolls

Prepare the Cabbage:

1. Freeze the Cabbage:
   • Place the savoy cabbage in a bag and freeze it for 12 hours or overnight.
   • Remove and let it thaw at room temperature. This softens the leaves, making them easier to work with without boiling.

Prepare the Filling:

2. Cook the Rice:
   • In a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish, cook the rice with 2 cups of water. Set aside to cool. You can prepare the rice the day before and store it in the refrigerator.
3. Sauté the Onions:
   • Finely chop the onions and sauté them in oil or butter over low heat until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
4. Mix the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, break apart the ground beef. Add the salt, pepper, eggs, sautéed onions, and cooled rice. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

5. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Remove the leaves from the cabbage, cutting away the tough part near the core.
6. Fill and Roll the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Place about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the meat mixture at the base of each cabbage leaf. The amount may vary depending on the size of the leaf.
   • Roll the leaf tightly around the filling and place it in a greased casserole dish. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.

Prepare the Sauce:

7. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato soup, tomato juice, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.

Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

8. Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for two hours.

Serve or Store:

9. Serving:
   • After baking, serve the cabbage rolls hot.
   • If you need to store them, let them cool, remove the foil, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate or freeze.
10. Reheating:
    • To reheat, thaw if frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with a lid or foil, and heat in the oven at 325°F for about an hour. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave on sensor reheat.

Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Rolls

• Use Savoy Cabbage: Freezing the cabbage makes the leaves tender and easy to roll without boiling.
• Cook the Rice Ahead: Preparing the rice a day in advance can save time when assembling the cabbage rolls.
• Golden Onions: Sauté the onions until they are golden for added depth of flavor in the filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of tender cabbage leaves and savory filling makes these cabbage rolls incredibly satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cabbage rolls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick and easy meal.
• Versatile: This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.