If you’re looking for a dish that warms the soul and brings a taste of home, these Cabbage Rolls are the perfect recipe to try. This treasured recipe comes from my cousin Barbara’s kitchen and has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember—my mom has been making them since I was a little girl! This comforting meal features a delicious blend of savory meat, rice, and tangy tomato sauce, all lovingly wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. It’s truly a dish that brings family together, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs ground pork
• 1 cup rice (par-cooked for half the time)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Hungarian paprika
• 1 large onion, sautéed

For the Sauce:

• 64 oz tomato juice
• 2 cups water
• 1 bag sauerkraut

For the Cabbage:

• 1 head of cabbage

Preparation Tips

Rice

For the rice, par-cook it for half the time listed on the package. This helps remove some of the starch and ensures that your cabbage rolls don’t become mushy.

Cabbage Preparation

You have two excellent options for preparing your cabbage leaves:

1. Freezing Method: Freeze the whole head of cabbage overnight. Once frozen, thaw it out, remove the core, and peel away the leaves. This method makes the leaves pliable and easy to work with, which I personally prefer.
2. Boiling Method: If you want to use fresh cabbage, core the head and drop it into a pot of boiling water. As the leaves soften, gently peel them away. This can be a bit trickier, but it also works well.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, par-cooked rice, salt, pepper, paprika, and sautéed onion until well combined.
2. Roll the Cabbage: Take a cabbage leaf and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Tuck in the sides and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. Makes about 15-20 rolls.
3. Layer the Sauce: In a large pot, combine the tomato juice, water, and sauerkraut. Layer the cabbage rolls in the pot, covering them with the sauce mixture as you go.
4. Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven at 350°F for about 2 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Once your cabbage rolls are done, serve them warm with a generous ladle of the tangy sauce over the top. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Final Thoughts

Barbara’s Cabbage Rolls are more than just a meal; they’re a tradition that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them on your own, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!