Irish Cabbage Rolls

Hearty ground beef and pork wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, baked in a tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy meal, these flavorful rolls are sure to impress with every bite! A comforting, festive dish that brings the taste of Ireland to your table.

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Course: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Irish, Irish-American

Keyword: Cabbage Rolls Recipe, Cozy Meals, Ground Beef and Pork Rolls, Irish cabbage rolls, Irish Comfort Food, Irish Cuisine, St. Patrick’s Day Recipe

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 20

Servings:

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the cabbage rolls:

1 head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 cup cooked rice
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp salt

For the sauce:

1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready for baking once the cabbage rolls are prepared.
Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut out the core of the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until they’re tender but still hold their shape. Remove from the water and set aside to cool.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, cooked rice, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Take one cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Roll the leaf around the filling, folding in the sides to form a tight package. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. This tangy-sweet sauce will bring the cabbage rolls to life!
Assemble the Dish: Pour half of the prepared sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls on top of the sauce, and pour the remaining sauce over them.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the foil and serve the cabbage rolls hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or any fresh herbs you like.

Notes

Variations:

Vegetarian Irish Cabbage Rolls: For a meatless version, swap the ground beef and pork for a hearty vegetable mixture. Try sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a blend of rice and beans to create a satisfying vegetarian filling. You can also add some cheese for extra richness.
Spicy Irish Cabbage Rolls: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or sauce. This will give the rolls a kick that balances perfectly with the richness of the meat and sauce.
Cheesy Cabbage Rolls: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella inside the cabbage rolls before rolling them up. You can also top the rolls with cheese during the final 10 minutes of baking to create a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off approach, you can make these cabbage rolls in a slow cooker. Simply layer the rolls in the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Add Bacon: For extra flavor and crunch, consider adding cooked crumbled bacon to the filling. Bacon pairs wonderfully with the savory meat and brings an added depth of flavor.

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