Cabbage rolls are a beloved dish around the globe, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls takes the classic comfort food to another level. Inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, this dish features tender cabbage leaves enveloping a flavorful mixture of meat and rice, all gently simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce. It’s the perfect meal to bring warmth and smiles to any dinner table.
Discovering Pioneer Woman’s Cabbage Rolls
Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls are a celebrated recipe from Ree Drummond, the famous food blogger and TV personality known as the Pioneer Woman. This dish is a testament to hearty, home-style cooking. It consists of cabbage leaves carefully wrapped around a delicious filling of ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings. The rolls are then slow-cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce until they become incredibly tender and infused with flavor. This recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, perfect for family dinners and cozy evenings.
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Why This Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a Must-Try
- Ultimate Comfort Food: These cabbage rolls are the epitome of comfort food, providing a warm and satisfying feeling with every bite.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber and vitamins from the cabbage, this dish offers a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering, Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls are always a hit.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time! These cabbage rolls are excellent for meal prepping and taste even better the next day.
- Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of savory meat filling, sweet cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
To create this comforting dish, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients:
- 1 Large Head of Cabbage: The foundation of our rolls, choose a firm, large head for ample leaves.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a hearty and flavorful filling.
- 1 Cup Cooked Rice: Cooked long-grain rice provides the perfect texture and absorbs the savory flavors.
- 1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped: Adds essential aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Enhances the savory profile of the filling.
- 1 Large Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the filling together perfectly.
- 1 Teaspoon Salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the filling.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth.
- 1 Can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of our rich and flavorful sauce.
- 1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor to the sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a savory umami note to the sauce.
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky and sweet flavor to the sauce.
- 1 Cup Beef Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the simmering sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Follow these simple steps to create perfect Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls:
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Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by coring the cabbage. Place the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves become soft and pliable enough to peel off without tearing. Carefully remove leaves as they soften, continuing until you have enough leaves for your rolls. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Mix the Flavorful Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well combined.
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Stuff and Roll the Cabbage Leaves: Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and rice filling in the center of the leaf. To roll, fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and then roll from the stem end up, like a burrito, creating a snug roll. Tuck in the sides firmly as you roll to secure the filling.
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Arrange the Rolls in a Pot: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, arrange the cabbage rolls in layers, seam-side down. You can layer them closely together.
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Prepare the Savory Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and beef broth. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to create a homogenous sauce.
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Pour Sauce Over the Cabbage Rolls: Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the layered cabbage rolls in the pot. The sauce should mostly cover the rolls; add a bit more beef broth or water if needed to ensure they are almost submerged.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmering process allows the cabbage to become incredibly tender and the filling to cook through completely, infusing the rolls with the rich tomato sauce flavors. The cabbage rolls are ready when the cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked through.
Delicious Pairings for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Enhance your Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls meal with these delightful side dishes:
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth and comforting contrast to the savory cabbage rolls.
- Crusty Bread for Sopping: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious tomato sauce.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the rolls.
- Steamed Green Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or broccoli add a healthy and vibrant side to the meal.
- Tangy Pickles or Relish: The acidity of pickles or relish cuts through the richness and adds a zesty element to the plate.
Essential Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Master the art of cabbage rolls with these helpful tips:
- Select a Fresh Cabbage Head: Choose a fresh, firm cabbage head without blemishes for the best quality leaves.
- Cook Rice Perfectly: Ensure your rice is fully cooked and slightly cooled before mixing it into the ground beef. This prevents mushy filling.
- Generously Season the Filling: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper in the meat filling. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful roll.
- Blanch Cabbage Just Right: Blanch the cabbage leaves until they are pliable but not overly soft. Over-blanching can make them too fragile to roll.
- Roll Cabbage Rolls Snugly: Roll the cabbage leaves tightly around the filling and tuck in the sides to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
- Simmer on Low Heat: Low and slow simmering is crucial for tender cabbage and prevents the sauce from burning.
Variations to Personalize Your Cabbage Rolls
Get creative and try these delicious variations of Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls:
- Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Cabbage Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the meat filling for a touch of heat.
- Cheesy Cabbage Rolls: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the meat filling for extra richness and a gooey center.
- Turkey Cabbage Rolls: For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef in the filling.
- Quinoa Cabbage Rolls: Replace the rice with cooked quinoa for a different texture and added nutritional benefits.
Storing and Freezing Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Proper storage ensures your cabbage rolls remain delicious for days:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for Later: To freeze, place cooled cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container. For best results and to prevent sticking, you can layer them with parchment paper in between. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Always Label and Date: Label your storage containers with the date to keep track of freshness, especially when freezing.
- Prevent Sticking When Freezing: Use parchment paper between layers of rolls to easily separate them after freezing.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls Perfectly
Reheat your cabbage rolls and enjoy them just as deliciously as the first time:
- Microwave Reheating: For a quick reheat, place individual cabbage rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven Reheating Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cabbage rolls in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop Reheating: Gently reheat the cabbage rolls in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little extra tomato sauce or water to prevent sticking and keep them moist.
- Steaming for Gentle Reheating: Use a steamer basket over simmering water for a gentle reheating method that keeps the rolls moist and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Rolls
Get answers to common questions about making cabbage rolls:
How do I keep cabbage rolls from falling apart?
To prevent cabbage rolls from falling apart, ensure you blanch the cabbage leaves just until pliable, not too soft. Roll them tightly, tucking in the sides securely. You can also use toothpicks to secure them during cooking, removing them before serving.
What kind of rice is best for cabbage rolls?
Long-grain white rice, or Basmati rice, works excellently for cabbage rolls. They cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. Make sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other filling ingredients to achieve the best texture in your rolls.
Can I prepare cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, cabbage rolls are ideal for making ahead. You can assemble the rolls and store them uncooked in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months and cook from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef in cabbage rolls?
For alternatives to ground beef, consider ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat substitutes. For a vegetarian option, lentils or mushrooms provide a similar texture and rich flavor.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
In Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls are more than just a meal; they are a comforting experience that brings people together. With this detailed guide, you’re well-prepared to create these delightful rolls in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process, share the warmth, and savor every flavorful bite with your family and friends. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
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Recipe Description
Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls: A classic comfort food recipe inspired by Ree Drummond. Featuring cabbage leaves filled with ground beef, rice, and seasonings, simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Core and boil until leaves are pliable.
- Mix filling: Combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper.
- Stuff cabbage leaves: Place filling on leaves, roll and tuck.
- Arrange in pot: Layer rolls in a large pot.
- Make sauce: Mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, beef broth.
- Pour sauce over rolls: Cover rolls with sauce.
- Simmer: Cook on low 1.5-2 hours until tender.
