Cozy Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Cabbage rolls from the pioneer woman burst with rustic charm and culinary nostalgia, capturing the essence of heartwarming midwestern cooking.

Each carefully crafted roll tells a story of tradition and flavor, nestled within soft, verdant leaves.

Ground meat and rice dance together, creating a symphony of taste that sings comfort and home.

Aromatic seasonings whisper tales of generations past, transforming humble ingredients into a memorable feast.

These rolls represent more than just a meal; they’re a loving embrace wrapped in tender cabbage.

Simple yet sophisticated, the dish bridges family memories with contemporary kitchen creativity.

Savor every delectable morsel and create your own delicious tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minute

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Checklist for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

• Long Grain White Rice: Choose plump, uniform grains that promise fluffy texture.
• Water: Filtered water ensures clean, pure flavor profile.

• Green Cabbage: Select fresh, crisp heads with vibrant color and no blemishes.

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Pick lean cuts with balanced fat content for juicy filling.
• Onion: Look for firm, smooth bulbs without soft spots or sprouts.
• Egg: Fresh, room temperature eggs bind ingredients smoothly.
• Condensed Tomato Soup: Select rich, tangy variety for robust sauce.
• Salt: Kosher or sea salt delivers deeper mineral undertones.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground peppercorns provide more intense aroma.
• Dried Herbs (Optional): Thyme or oregano can add subtle earthy complexity.

Cooking Gear for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

• Small pot: Perfect for cooking rice evenly and with precision.
• Large saucepan: Essential for boiling and softening cabbage leaves.
• Large mixing bowl: Great for combining and mixing filling ingredients thoroughly.
• Work surface: Clean area for preparing and rolling cabbage rolls.
• Large skillet: Ideal for simmering and cooking cabbage rolls with sauce.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients and stirring during cooking.
• Tongs: Useful for handling hot cabbage leaves and turning rolls.
• Serving plates: Ready to present the delicious final dish.

How to Whip Up Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

• Prep Tender Cabbage Leaves

Boil a pot of salted water and gently lower cabbage leaves into the bubbling liquid. Let them dance in the water for a few minutes until they become soft and flexible. Carefully fish out the leaves and set them aside to cool down.

• Whip Up Savory Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, a beaten egg, cooked rice, and a splash of flavor from condensed tomato soup. Get your hands dirty and mix everything until the ingredients become best friends, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

• Roll and Wrap Delicious Bundles

Spread out each cabbage leaf like a delicate blanket. Plop a generous scoop of the meaty mixture right in the center. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly, tucking in the edges to create perfect little packages that seal in all the deliciousness.

• Simmer to Perfection

Nestle the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large skillet. Drench them with a blanket of tomato soup, covering every inch. Clamp on the lid and let them simmer gently. As they cook, occasionally turn and baste the rolls to keep them moist and infuse them with extra flavor. Let the magic happen for about 40 minutes.

• Serve and Delight

Slide the golden-brown cabbage rolls onto waiting plates. Drizzle the rich, bubbling sauce over the top for an extra punch of flavor. Bring these steaming bundles of joy to the table and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation of the delicious meal ahead.

Tasty Twists and Smart Tips for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

Add personal flair to this classic comfort dish with these tasty tips and creative variations.

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed alternative that keeps the flavor profile exciting.

Kick the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Experiment with different spice levels to match your taste buds’ adventure.

Enhance nutrition by mixing finely chopped mushrooms, grated carrots, or diced bell peppers into the filling. These additions boost flavor complexity and provide extra vegetables to your meal.

Transform the recipe with international seasonings like smoked paprika for a Spanish touch, cumin for a Middle Eastern vibe, or fresh herbs like dill for an Eastern European twist.

Serving Up Your Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty cabbage rolls. The fresh, tangy greens will complement the savory meat and tomato sauce.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the cabbage rolls for a burst of color and bright, aromatic flavor. These herbs will add a delightful freshness to the dish.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. Slice a rustic baguette or hearty sourdough to complete this comforting meal and provide extra texture.
• Pair with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream on top or alongside the cabbage rolls. This tangy addition will cut through the richness and provide a smooth, refreshing contrast.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making each bite even more delicious.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cabbage rolls maintain excellent quality for 2-3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead meal option.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of extra tomato sauce to prevent drying. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and tasty enjoyment.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Assemble cabbage rolls up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep covered in the refrigerator, adding sauce just before cooking to maintain the perfect texture and prevent soggy leaves.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage rolls offer a hearty, comforting meal packed with ground beef, rice, and savory seasonings. Generations of families have cherished this traditional dish, which promises a satisfying culinary experience you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8 cabbage leaves (large and sturdy)
• ⅓ cup white rice (uncooked)
• ¼ cup onion (finely chopped)
• 1 large egg (slightly beaten)
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ⅔ cup water
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed tomato soup

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Set aside to rest.
2. Cabbage Leaf Preparation: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully immerse cabbage leaves, cooking for 2-4 minutes until flexible. Remove, drain, and allow to cool slightly.
3. Filling Creation: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, onion, egg, tomato soup, cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a uniform filling.
4. Rolling Technique: Lay out cabbage leaves, placing a portion of beef mixture in the center of each. Fold sides inward and roll tightly to encase the filling completely, forming neat parcels.
5. Cooking Process: Arrange rolled cabbage packages seam-side down in a skillet. Pour remaining tomato soup over the rolls. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 40 minutes, occasionally rotating and basting to prevent sticking and enhance flavors.
6. Serving: Carefully transfer cabbage rolls to serving plates. Drizzle with additional sauce from the cooking pan. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Cabbage Leaf Prep: Blanch leaves carefully to prevent tearing, ensuring they’re flexible enough to wrap without breaking.
• Meat Mixture Mastery: Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to avoid compressing the meat, which can make rolls tough and dense.
• Rolling Technique: Fold sides inward first, then roll tightly to create compact parcels that seal in delicious flavors and prevent unraveling during cooking.
• Sauce Sealing: Baste rolls occasionally during simmering to keep them moist and infuse extra flavor, preventing any potential dryness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minute
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 284
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 611 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg