Cabbage Rolls In Paprika Cream Sauce
Savory cabbage rolls wrapped around a hearty filling, simmered in a rich paprika cream sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage (3 to 3 1/2 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons salt, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 carrots, sliced into coins ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans condensed beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Fill a large kettle with enough water to cover the cabbage and bring it to a boil.
- Remove any damaged outside leaves of the cabbage.
- Stick a large fork into the core of the cabbage and submerge it in boiling water.
- Loosen the leaves from the core with a large knife and remove 12 to 16 leaves as they become soft, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the remaining cabbage head from the water and chop it coarsely; set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ground chuck, eggs, cooked rice, chopped small onion, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Carefully peel the softened cabbage leaves and spoon a portion of the meat mixture onto each leaf.
- Roll up each leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté chopped medium onion and sliced carrots until tender.
- Stir in paprika and cook for another minute.
- Add condensed beef broth, tomato sauce, and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Place the cabbage rolls into the sauce, cover, and simmer gently for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the meat is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, stir flour into a little water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, choose larger, outer cabbage leaves. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or pork can be substituted. To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils, seasoned to taste. Don't skip the sautéing step for the onions and carrots; it builds great flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. They pair beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. For an extra touch, consider serving them alongside German Matilda Applesauce Meat Loaf for a hearty meal. A glass of crisp white wine can also complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a covered skillet on low heat with a splash of broth or water, allowing them to steam gently until warmed through. Alternatively, they can be microwaved covered for a couple of minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Rolls In Paprika Cream Sauce contains roughly 995 calories, with 12g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1572mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cabbage rolls in advance. Assemble them and place them in the sauce, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are chilled before being placed in the pot.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you prefer a lighter flavor, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth. For a richer taste, consider using chicken broth. You can also make your own broth by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water for about an hour for a homemade touch.
Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Cabbage rolls freeze well. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).