Cabbage rolls are a beloved dish around the globe, known for their comforting and satisfying nature. Today, we’re diving into a classic rendition of this dish with Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, features tender cabbage leaves enveloping a flavorful mixture of meat and rice, all gently simmered in a rich and savory tomato sauce. It’s a meal that’s sure to bring warmth and smiles to your dinner table.
What are Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a quintessential comfort food recipe, elevated by the home-style cooking expertise of Ree Drummond. This dish is built around the simple yet satisfying concept of cabbage leaves carefully wrapped around a filling made from ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings. The magic truly happens as these rolls simmer slowly in a homemade tomato sauce, allowing all the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a recipe that speaks to the heart of home cooking, perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm plate of cabbage rolls to evoke feelings of home and comfort. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you crave something truly satisfying and heartwarming.
- 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 option. It’s a delicious way to incorporate vegetables and wholesome ingredients into your diet.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a holiday gathering, Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a versatile dish that fits any occasion. They are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cabbage rolls are an excellent make-ahead dish. They taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. This makes them ideal for meal prepping during busy weeks.
- Incredibly Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory meat, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to create these comforting Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
Alt text: Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in a pot, showcasing the rich tomato sauce and tender cabbage leaves, perfect for a comforting meal.
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of delicious Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by coring the cabbage. In a large pot of boiling salted water, carefully place the whole cabbage head. Boil for about 10-15 minutes, or until the outer leaves become soft and pliable enough to peel off without tearing. Gently remove the leaves one by one as they soften, and set them aside to cool slightly. You may need to return the cabbage to the boiling water to soften more inner leaves.
- Mix the 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 incorporated.
- Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Take a softened cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and rice filling in the center of the leaf. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the leaf, but aim for about ¼ to ⅓ cup. Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly from the stem end to create a neat roll.
- Arrange in a Pot: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in layers, seam-side down. You can create multiple layers if necessary.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and beef broth. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to form a consistent sauce.
- Pour Sauce Over Rolls: Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls in the pot, ensuring that they are mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more beef broth or water to ensure the rolls are sufficiently covered in liquid for simmering.
- Simmer: Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. The cabbage should be very tender, and the filling should be cooked through and heated to perfection.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
To ensure your Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a success, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Select the Right Cabbage: Choose a large, firm head of green cabbage. Savoy cabbage can also be used for a slightly more delicate texture.
- Cook Rice to Perfection: Make sure your rice is fully cooked and slightly cooled before mixing it with the ground beef. Overcooked or undercooked rice can affect the texture of the filling.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Season the meat filling generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to ensure a flavorful filling.
- Blanch Cabbage Just Right: Be careful not to over-boil the cabbage leaves. They should be pliable enough to roll without tearing, but not so soft that they become mushy during simmering.
- Roll Cabbage Rolls Tightly: Roll the cabbage leaves firmly but gently to secure the filling inside. Tucking in the sides helps to keep the rolls intact during cooking.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Simmering the cabbage rolls on low heat for a longer period allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the cabbage becomes wonderfully tender without burning the sauce.
- Prevent Sticking: To prevent sticking, you can place a few extra cabbage leaves or some chopped cabbage at the bottom of the pot before layering the stuffed rolls.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a complete meal in themselves, but they are also delicious served with complementary side dishes:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with cabbage rolls. They provide a comforting and creamy contrast to the tangy tomato sauce.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with a side of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp and refreshing garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing helps to balance the richness of the cabbage rolls.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans, carrots, or roasted asparagus are healthy and simple sides that complement the hearty cabbage rolls.
- Tangy Pickles or Relish: The acidity and crunch of pickles or a tangy relish can cut through the richness of the dish and add an extra layer of flavor.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Get creative with these variations on Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Substitute ground beef with a mixture of lentils, cooked mushrooms, and finely chopped vegetables like carrots and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Cabbage Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the meat filling for a touch of heat. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce.
- Cheesy Cabbage Rolls: Mix shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese into the meat filling for extra richness and flavor. You can also sprinkle cheese on top before simmering or broiling briefly at the end for a melted cheese topping.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken Cabbage Rolls: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
- Quinoa Cabbage Rolls: Replace the cooked rice with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free alternative and a slightly different texture in the filling.
Storing and Reheating Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls
Storing:
- Refrigerating: Allow the cooked cabbage rolls to cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container. To prevent sticking, you can layer them with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 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: 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: Reheat the cabbage rolls in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little extra tomato sauce or beef broth to keep them moist. Simmer gently until heated through.
- Steaming: Gently reheat cabbage rolls using a steamer basket over boiling water for a moist and tender result.
Nutrition Value (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than just a meal; they are a comforting embrace on a plate. This recipe provides you with all the details you need to confidently recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to savor the delightful and heartwarming flavors of homemade cabbage rolls with your family and friends. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
