If you’re looking for a comforting, soulful meal that wraps bold Creole flavors in tender cabbage leaves, this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy ground beef and pork perfectly seasoned with paprika, cayenne, and herbs nestle inside blanched cabbage leaves, all baked in a rich, savory tomato sauce that’s brimming with southern charm. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of spicy, smoky, and fresh notes that will have you coming back for seconds and sharing this recipe with your favorite food lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe, each playing a vital role to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the fresh cabbage leaves to the aromatic spices, every component delivers something special.
- Green cabbage (1 large head): This is the edible canvas that holds all the delicious filling together and softens beautifully when cooked.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds rich, hearty flavor and protein essential for the filling’s satisfying texture.
- Ground pork (1/2 pound): Brings an extra depth of juiciness and subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Cooked white rice (1 cup): Helps bind the filling and offers a comforting, tender bite.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Infuses sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant and robust base flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to the meat mixture.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a smoky warmth characteristic of Creole cooking.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives the rolls just enough heat without overwhelming the palate.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers herbal perfume that brightens the filling.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and complexity.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Forms the luscious base of the cooking sauce.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Bring texture and fresh acidity to the sauce.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates tomato flavor for richness.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds depth and moisture to keep the sauce silky.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the aromatics gently.
- Bay leaf (1): Steeps fragrant herbal notes into the sauce as it simmers.
- Chopped parsley: Finishes the dish with a fresh, vibrant pop of green.
How to Make Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel off 10 to 12 large cabbage leaves, aiming for ones that will easily wrap around the filling. Blanch these leaves in the boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes. This softens them just enough to be pliable without tearing. Drain and set aside to cool so you can handle them comfortably.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sweating them gently until they turn soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes. This step unlocks the flavors that will mingle beautifully with the meat mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well incorporated. This filling is the hearty heart of your rolls.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the cabbage and roll tightly to encase the filling securely inside. Good rolling technique means your rolls won’t unravel during baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet or a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt or any additional seasoning you like. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and concentrate.
Step 6: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spoon a layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange your cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top to fully coat them. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the rolls to brown gently on top.
How to Serve Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of color. Feel free to add a few dashes of hot sauce if you prefer extra heat to complement the smoky spices.
Side Dishes
These cabbage rolls are a meal on their own, but pairing them with simple sides elevates the experience. Consider serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for contrast. Cornbread is another wonderful southern-inspired choice that balances perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, place individual cabbage rolls on warm plates, spoon a little sauce artistically around each, and garnish with a sprig of parsley. You can also serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of extra sauce and spicy pickles to create a communal, inviting meal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the cabbage rolls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick, ready-to-eat meal.
Freezing
This Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered for a few minutes, stirring the sauce around the rolls halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or pork instead of both?
Absolutely! Using just beef or just pork will still be delicious. Combining both adds more depth and moistness, but feel free to adapt the recipe to your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure your chicken broth and canned tomatoes are labeled gluten-free for added safety.
Can I make these cabbage rolls vegetarian?
You can! Swap the meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a veggie ground substitute and adjust seasoning accordingly. Keep the rice and spices, and enjoy a meatless version bursting with flavor.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to cayenne pepper. You can reduce the cayenne or leave it out for a gentler dish, or add more if you like a spicier kick. Hot sauce on the side is also a great way to customize each serving.
What can I substitute for white rice?
Brown rice, quinoa, or even cooked barley can work as well if you want a different texture or a healthier twist. Just be sure to cook the grains fully before mixing them into the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a warm, home-cooked Creole classic to your table with ease and loads of comfort. The layers of flavor, tender textures, and inviting aroma make it an unforgettable dish worth mastering. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful meal; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Creole Cabbage Rolls feature tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of ground beef, pork, and rice, baked in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices. This hearty main course combines traditional Creole seasonings with a satisfying texture, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel 10–12 whole cabbage leaves from the head and blanch them in the boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Make filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble rolls: Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
- Prepare sauce: In the same skillet or a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer and bake: Spoon a layer of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down into the dish, then pour the remaining sauce over them. Cover with foil.
- Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to slightly brown the tops.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, discard bay leaf, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep.
