Description
These Creole Cabbage Rolls feature tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful blend of ground beef, pork, and rice, simmered in a zesty tomato sauce infused with traditional Creole spices. Baked to perfection, they make a hearty and comforting main dish with a spicy kick and a touch of soulful Southern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel 10-12 whole cabbage leaves from the head. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Make Meat Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly to enclose the filling.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet or a separate saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, bay leaf, and additional seasoning if desired. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange and Bake: Spoon a layer of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down into the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake Covered: Bake covered for 1 hour in the preheated oven, allowing the flavors to blend and the rolls to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to slightly brown the tops and thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and discard the bay leaf. Garnish the cabbage rolls with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, consider increasing the cayenne pepper or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato sauce before baking.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
