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Easy Cabbage Rolls
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No fuss cabbage rolls (sometimes called pigs in a blanket in the midwest) made with ground beef, instant rice, and tomato soup rolled up inside cabbage leaves.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
14 reviews
6 comments
ingredients
12 large cabbage leaves
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, diced
salt and pepper
1 cup uncooked instant rice
2 cans (10.75 ounce size) tomato soup
10 ounces water
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the cabbage leaves in boiling water and let cook until soft. When soft, drain well and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is no longer brown. Drain off any excess grease. Season to as desired with salt and pepper.
Stir the uncooked rice, half of the tomato soup, and half of the water into the skillet. Mix well.
Place the cabbage leaves on a work surface, inside up (so they form a cup shape).
Spoon some of the beef mixture into each leaf. Roll up the leaves over the beef and place seam side down in a 9x13 baking dish. Combine the remaining tomato soup and water and mix until combined. Pour evenly over the top of the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked (cut into one of the rolls to test). Serve hot.
recipe tips
To prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing, cut out the thick vein at the base of each leaf.
Try adding garlic or herbs like thyme or oregano in the beef mixture.
For a healthier version, use brown rice and lean ground beef or turkey.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more water or broth.
Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of paprika to the beef mixture.
To make sure the rolls are cooked evenly, make sure they are not too tightly packed in the baking dish.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning of the beef mixture before rolling it in the cabbage leaves.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Or, try a plant-based ground meat substitute.
What can I use instead of instant rice?
You can use pre-cooked regular rice, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. You may want to partially cook the rice before adding it to the skillet so it will cook more like instant rice.
Is there a substitute for tomato soup?
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used, but you may need to adjust the seasoning as canned tomato soup has seasonings in it.
Can I make this dish without onions?
Yes, but onions add flavor. You can omit them or use onion powder as a substitute.
How should I adjust the recipe for a vegetarian version?
Use a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can these cabbage rolls be frozen?
Yes, freeze them before or after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Are these pigs in a blanket?
Yes, and no. For some reason in some places in the Midwestern US they are referred to as pigs in a blanket, presumably because they were filled with pork at some point. Most places in the US call dough-wrapped hot dogs or "lil smokies" pigs in a blanket so there is definitely sometimes some confusion over the name.
tools needed
Skillet: For browning the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is cooked through. A non-stick skillet can make cleanup easier.
Large Pot: To boil the cabbage leaves until they are soft. A pot large enough to hold all the cabbage leaves along with room for the water to boil.
Measuring Cups: For measuring ingredients such as the rice and water.
Baking Dish (9x13): To hold the assembled cabbage rolls during baking.
Large Spoon or Ladle: For scooping the beef mixture and placing it onto the cabbage leaves.
Cutting Board: To provide a stable surface for dicing the onion and any other preparation that may be needed.
Sharp Knife: For dicing the onion and any necessary cutting of the cabbage.
Tongs: For handling the cabbage leaves when removing them from the boiling water.
what goes with it?
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the cabbage rolls adds a creamy tang that balances the dish's savory elements.
Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to scoop up excess sauce.
Fresh Herb Salad: A light salad with fresh herbs like parsley and dill can cut through the richness of the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the rolls during the last 5 minutes of baking. The melted cheese adds a layer of richness and a comforting, gooey texture.
Sweet and Spicy Mustard: A small side of sweet and spicy mustard for dipping can enhance the flavors with its tangy sweetness.
Italian Sausage: Replace the ground beef with ground Italian sausage for a spicier version.
Homemade Marinara Sauce: On special occasions, swap out the tomato soup for a homemade marinara sauce. This upgrade adds depth, flavor variety, and a homemade touch.
Baked Beans: A side of Boston baked beans offers a sweet and hearty complement, grounding the meal with its rustic flavors while providing a touch of sweetness to offset the savory rolls.
Cornbread: Serve with cornbread for a sweet, buttery pairing. The warm bread echoes the comfort food vibe while its sweetness contrasts nicely with the tomato sauce.
Apple Sauce: A small dish of unsweetened apple sauce can provide a fruity tartness, cleansing the palate and balancing the savory richness of the cabbage rolls.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chianti: This red wine, with its bright acidity and cherry flavors, works wonderfully with the hearty richness of the beef and the tangy tomato soup. Look for one that's fruity but not too sweet.
Zinfandel: A fruity Zinfandel, full of blackberry and spice, will pair beautifully with the savory cabbage rolls. Its bold flavors can stand up to the beef and rice while the subtle sweetness balances the acidity of the tomato soup.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer white, a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty notes of citrus and green apple can be a nice contrast to the rich filling. Aim for something with a bit of minerality, like a nice New Zealand Sauvignon, to keep it light and lively.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon: A bold Cabernet is a great choice here. Its robust flavor works well with the richness of the beef, and the tannins can help to cut through the heartiness of the dish.
Vodka Martini: A simple vodka martini keeps things classy, and its clean profile won't clash with the flavors of the dish.
Amber Ale: An amber ale's malty sweetness and slightly hoppy finish make it a perfect match for the savory and slightly sweet components of the cabbage rolls.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Tomato Juice: Sounds a little plain, but the natural acidity and savory taste of tomato juice pairs well with these rolls, especially if you add a little hot sauce for fun.
Herbed Iced Tea: Brew up some herbal tea, chill it, and add a splash of lemon. The light herbal notes will complement the cabbage while refreshing you between bites.
Sparkling Grape Juice: For a non-alcoholic option that feels like a celebration, sparkling grape juice has sweet and fruity notes that echo the flavors in the dish without being too heavy.
nutrition data
377 calories, 22 grams fat, 30 grams carbohydrates, 16 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
October 3, 2021
Love it
October 1, 2020
Make all the time the thing I do different is one pd.ground pork an one pd. Ground veal makes a huge difference and of course tomato soup very delicious.
September 18, 2020
This recipe is similar to my Momâs. I like the tomato soup topping.
April 24, 2020
This is the closest to the cabbage rolls my grt grandmother, grandmother & my mom used to make except no onions. We use or at least I tweaked it using half beef half sausage..bacon and cooked rice. We don't brown the meat...it goes in raw but definately the tomato soup with white vinegar gives it that perfect kiss💋
How many does this recipe make?
The number of servings is listed at the top of the recipe.
February 8, 2020
I use ground sausage like my mom used. Really good
November 30, 2019
I substitute ground chicken and add extra seasoning of onion and garlic. Always use dill in the meat mix and use ketchup n water versus tomato soup or sauce. Adds a tang and sweetness .
When I was first married my husband âs Aunt Mary taught me how to make the best stuffed cabbage. To this day I still use tomato soup, cooked rice,onions, salt and pepper,one egg. The pressuer cooker that I use is the one I received at my wedding .I make this the day before we have it for dinner.
January 29, 2019
Iâve been looking for a recipe with tomato soup. My mom made them this way when I was growing up.
do you cook rice at all before adding ?
No, the rice is uncooked. It cooks inside the cabbage rolls.
January 17, 2018
My grandmother taught my mother to make stuffed cabbage rolls or (pigs in a blanket)from the old country sixty years ago.Mom taught me the recipe and I just got done making some for the family. Only difference, this time I used a crock pot I hope they are not rolling their eyes in heaven
I searched for a recipe with cooked meat for an hour and finally,you have it.I don't like using raw meat,and all of the recipes are with it. Thank you
February 16, 2017
This was my mom's recipe, cooked in stove top pressure cooker, cooked for 20 min at pressure. Always the best.
January 27, 2017
How would I cook this using brown rice?
Brown rice will take longer to cook so you'll have to add additional cooking time (maybe check after 10 additional minutes and see how tender the rice is)
Can you do equal parts of tomato soup and sauce to balance the recipe out
Sure, that would work. It will alter the flavor a little so you may have to adjust the seasonings.
October 8, 2015
I have made the same recipe as above for over 40 years and it still gets raves from family and friends.
October 31, 2013
I've been making my cabbage rolls exactly this way for years. The tomato soup is better than tomato sauce because it has a little sweetness to it. Always delicious.
June 29, 2013
This is my standard cabbage rolls recipe. I keep all the ingredients on hand, all I have to do is buy a head of cabbage and dinner is made easily.
I'm gonna love this recipe. My secret when it comes to cabbage rolls is V-8. For a fresh taste in the sauce, try it, you'll love it.
October 23, 2007
This recipe was easy to prepare and turned out delicious! I served this with mashed potatoes and cream gravy, and a side of steamed cabbage.