Hearty Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s cabbage rolls represent a hearty culinary tradition that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families.

These delectable parcels blend rustic ingredients with classic midwestern comfort food techniques.

Rich flavors nestle inside tender, carefully wrapped green leaves, creating a delightful meal packed with homestyle goodness.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soul-satisfying dish that transforms simple components into something truly magical.

Wholesome and filling, these rolls offer a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory seasonings.

The blend of ground meat, rice, and aromatic ingredients creates a harmonious taste profile that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the first delicious bite: enjoy this timeless recipe tonight.

Why These Cabbage Rolls Hit All the Right Notes

• Savor Comforting Simplicity: These Pioneer Woman cabbage rolls deliver pure home-style comfort with minimal fuss, transforming basic ingredients into a heartwarming meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Master Easy Technique: Rolling cabbage leaves requires no professional chef skills, making this recipe perfect for beginner cooks who want to create something delicious without complicated steps or fancy equipment.
• Enjoy One-Pot Convenience: The entire cooking process happens in a single skillet, which means less cleanup, faster preparation, and a streamlined cooking experience that saves time and reduces kitchen chaos.
• Pack Protein-Rich Nutrition: Ground beef combined with rice creates a satisfying, balanced meal loaded with protein and complex carbohydrates.

Everything You Need for Flavorful Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful base for the filling, choose lean ground beef for better texture.
• Egg: Binds the filling ingredients together, helps maintain the structure of the cabbage rolls.

• Cabbage Leaves: Tender wrapper for the rolls, use large, flexible leaves that can easily fold without breaking.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the filling, provides additional flavor to the meat mixture.

• Rice: Adds substance and texture to the filling, helps create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Condensed Tomato Soup: Creates a rich sauce for cooking and serves as a flavor enhancer, provides moisture and tanginess.
• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that brings out the flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the overall taste of the dish.

Step-by-Step to Perfect Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Perfect Rice

Cook rice in a small pot by combining water and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Soften Cabbage Leaves

Fill a large saucepan with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add cabbage leaves and cook for 2-4 minutes until they become pliable. Gently remove leaves, drain, and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

• Ground beef
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 beaten egg
• Condensed tomato soup
• Cooked rice
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Craft Cabbage Roll Bundles

Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a work surface. Scoop about of beef mixture into the center of each leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly, completely encasing the filling.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Arrange rolled cabbage bundles seam-side down in a large skillet. Pour remaining tomato soup over the rolls. Cover the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40 minutes. Occasionally turn rolls and baste with sauce to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer cabbage rolls to serving plates. Spoon extra tomato sauce from the pan over the top. Serve hot and savor the delicious, comforting meal straight from the kitchen.

Pro Tips for Tender, Tasty Cabbage Rolls

• Prep Cabbage Like a Pro: Gently separate leaves by cutting around the core, then steam briefly for maximum flexibility without tearing.
• Boost Moisture Magic: Mix a splash of beef broth into the tomato sauce to prevent rolls from drying out during baking.
• Layer Smart: Create a protective base of extra cabbage leaves or sliced onions in the baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Temperature Trick: Let rolls rest for 10 minutes after baking to help them set and make cutting easier.
• Flavor Bomb Technique: Sprinkle fresh herbs like dill or parsley just before serving to brighten the entire dish with a fresh, aromatic touch.

Storing Cabbage Rolls Without Losing Juiciness

• Airtight Preservation: Seal cooled cabbage rolls in vacuum-sealed bags to maximize freshness and prevent freezer burn. This method removes excess air, maintaining texture and flavor for an extended period.
• Sectional Freezing: Divide rolls into portioned containers before freezing. Label each container with the date and contents, allowing easy tracking and quick meal planning. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store in glass containers with tight-fitting lids to retain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Position rolls carefully to minimize crushing delicate cabbage layers. Consume within three days for optimal taste and quality.

New Spins on Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Rolls: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage and add diced jalapeños and chili powder to the filling. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with a zesty salsa.
• Mediterranean Herb Cabbage Rolls: Incorporate ground lamb, mint, parsley, and oregano into the filling. Use quinoa instead of rice and serve with a tangy tzatziki sauce.
• Vegetarian Garden Cabbage Rolls: Substitute meat with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and roasted vegetables. Season with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of tomato soup for a lighter sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Cabbage Rolls: Use ground pork mixed with ginger, garlic, and green onions. Replace tomato soup with a soy-based sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman’s Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls emerge as culinary magic from Pioneer Woman’s kitchen, blending rustic charm with hearty comfort.

Rich ground beef and tender rice nestle delicately inside silky cabbage leaves, creating pure satisfaction for family meals.

Generations have cherished this traditional recipe, passing down love through carefully rolled parcels of deliciousness.

Midwestern cooking wisdom shines through each carefully crafted bite, connecting home cooks with cherished memories.

Warm tomato sauce envelops these delectable rolls, promising a soul-satisfying experience that transcends simple ingredients.

Hungry readers, share this mouthwatering journey with friends, spread culinary joy across social platforms, and celebrate home-cooked goodness that nourishes both body and spirit.

Pioneer Woman Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish-inspired cabbage rolls deliver hearty comfort straight from Ree Drummond’s kitchen. Tender beef, rice, and aromatic herbs nestle inside delicate cabbage leaves, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that promises pure satisfaction for home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 cabbage leaves, large and sturdy
• ⅓ cup uncooked white rice

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup water
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed tomato soup, divided

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Instructions

1. Initiate rice preparation by combining grains and water in a compact saucepan. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to minimal, covering the pot. Allow the rice to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes (or until liquid is fully absorbed and grains are tender). Transfer from heat and let rest momentarily.
2. Create a large, wide cooking vessel filled with salted water. Bring liquid to a rolling boil. Submerge cabbage leaves carefully, cooking for 2-4 minutes until they become pliable enough to manipulate without fracturing. Extract leaves, drain thoroughly, and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate ground beef, finely diced onion, thoroughly beaten egg, condensed tomato soup, cooked rice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend ingredients meticulously, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Position each cabbage leaf on a clean work surface. Portion approximately 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of beef mixture centrally on each leaf. Expertly fold leaf sides inward, then roll compactly to completely encase the filling.
5. Arrange rolled cabbage packages seam-side downward in a generously sized skillet. Lavishly drench rolls with remaining tomato soup. Secure pan with a tight-fitting lid, initially bringing contents to a boil. Subsequently reduce heat, allowing rolls to simmer gently for 40 minutes. Periodically rotate and baste rolls to prevent adherence and enhance flavor complexity.
6. Upon completion, transfer cabbage rolls to serving plates. Garnish with an extra spoonful of aromatic tomato sauce from the cooking pan. Serve piping hot and savor immediately.

Notes

• Slow-simmered rolls develop deeper, more complex flavors as ingredients blend and meld beautifully during cooking.
• Leftovers transform into an even more delicious meal when flavors intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
• Crusty bread or crisp salad provides perfect complementary sides that balance the rich, hearty cabbage rolls.
• Versatile recipe welcomes creative tweaks like swapping ground beef for turkey or adding unique spice blends.
• Condensed tomato soup delivers a tangy, slightly sweet undertone that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Ground beef and rice combination creates a protein-packed, satisfying filling that keeps everyone feeling full and content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg