Creole Cabbage Rolls

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, these Creole Cabbage Rolls are just what you need. Imagine savory ground meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with a blend of Creole spices. It’s the kind of meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, with a little kick of heat and a whole lot of soul. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or looking to spice up your meal routine, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Trust me, you’re going to love how these taste!

Why You’ll Love Creole Cabbage Rolls

These Creole Cabbage Rolls aren’t just about filling; they’re a celebration of flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re new to Creole cooking or a seasoned fan, this dish has something for everyone. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Versatile: You can serve these rolls as a main dish or a side to any of your favorite Creole meals.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like cabbage, ground meat, and spices, this dish doesn’t break the bank but still delivers big on flavor.

Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pot wonder! The rolls simmer in the sauce, making for easy prep and even easier cleanup.

Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite ground meats or adjust the spice level to your liking. This dish is all about making it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone will love the flavorful filling and tender cabbage. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Ingredients in Creole Cabbage Rolls

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these Creole Cabbage Rolls so special. The combination of savory meat, aromatic vegetables, and spices creates a dish that’s both comforting and bold.

Cabbage: The star of the show! Blanched cabbage leaves are soft and pliable, ready to be wrapped around the savory filling.

Ground Beef or Pork: Ground meat forms the heart of the filling. You can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Onion: Sweet and savory, onions give the filling a rich flavor base.

Garlic: Adds depth and a subtle kick to the mixture.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes and tomato paste create a tangy sauce that complements the rolls perfectly.

Creole Seasoning: This is what brings the dish to life! The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other spices adds that signature Creole flavor.

Rice: A bit of cooked rice mixed into the filling adds texture and makes the rolls more hearty.

Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers add color and a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.

Bay Leaves: They infuse the sauce with a subtle, earthy flavor.

Olive Oil: To sauté the vegetables and create a base for the sauce.

Beef Broth: Helps cook the rolls and makes the sauce rich and flavorful.

Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Cabbage: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Carefully remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, blanch them for a couple of minutes until they’re soft, and set them aside to cool. You want them tender but not falling apart.

Make the Filling: In a large pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook it until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, tomatoes, and Creole seasoning, and cook everything for a few more minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Rolls: Take each cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Carefully roll the cabbage around the filling, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat until all the filling is used up.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pot, combine the tomato paste, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring it to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to develop the flavors.

Simmer the Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover them with the tomato sauce. Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the rolls.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cabbage rolls are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove them from the pot and serve them hot. These rolls are perfect with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 300
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Creole Cabbage Rolls

These Creole Cabbage Rolls are a meal all on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:

– Serve with a side of cornbread for a true Southern touch.
– Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the rolls.
– For extra flavor, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
– If you like your cabbage a bit firmer, you can skip the blanching step and use raw cabbage leaves.
– Feel free to use different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– If you don’t have Creole seasoning, you can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
– You can make these rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for future meals.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use a different type of cabbage?
You can try other types like Napa cabbage, but green cabbage works best because of its sturdy leaves.

2 Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, shredded cheese can be mixed into the filling for an extra creamy texture. Cheddar or mozzarella would be great choices.

3 Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based meat substitute or a mix of mushrooms, lentils, and rice for a vegetarian version.

4 Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and store them in the fridge before simmering them in the sauce. They’ll keep for up to 24 hours.

5 How long do the leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave.

6 Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or pork?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work, though they will result in a lighter flavor.

7 What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.

8 Can I make these rolls in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble the rolls and place them in a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over them and cook on low for 4 hours.

9 How can I make the rolls spicier?
If you like more heat, add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even some chopped fresh chili to the filling.

10 Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and when ready to eat, cook them from frozen.

Conclusion

These Creole Cabbage Rolls are everything you want in a comforting, flavorful meal—hearty, savory, and packed with that signature Creole kick. Whether you’re looking for something to serve on a Sunday night or prepping a meal for a weeknight dinner, these rolls will hit the spot every time. Enjoy each bite and let the flavors transport you to a place of pure comfort and deliciousness!

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