Description

These Tender Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, rice, and aromatic seasonings, all wrapped in softened cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this recipe balances spicy Cajun flavors with a touch of sweetness from cane syrup, delivering a satisfying and delicious dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

1 cup long grain parboiled rice, rinsed until the water runs clear
1 lb ground beef (93% lean)
1 lb ground pork
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 scallions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 tablespoon jalapeño pepper paste (or 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño)
1 tablespoon Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or dill
3 tablespoons Steen’s pure cane syrup (or dark corn syrup), divided
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Cabbage & Sauce

1 whole head green cabbage, core removed
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup beef broth
2 teaspoons Creole Cajun Seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Nonstick spray for baking dish

To Serve (Optional)

Fresh chopped parsley or dill
Sour cream

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed parboiled rice, ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, chopped scallions, garlic paste, jalapeño paste (or diced jalapeño), 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped parsley or dill, 1 tablespoon of cane syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated. Cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap and let the filling rest while you prepare the cabbage.
Prep Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage head using a paring knife. Place the whole cabbage head into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves start to loosen and soften. Using tongs, carefully peel off the softened outer leaves and place them on a clean plate to cool.
Assemble Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the filling into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the leaf lengthwise into a tight log, similar to a burrito. Place the rolls seam side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling to make 15-17 rolls.
Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons of cane syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Pour half of this tomato sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Arrange Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down into the baking dish on top of the sauce, packing them tightly together. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.
Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley or dill if desired. Enjoy your tender stuffed cabbage rolls!

Notes

Use disposable gloves when mixing the filling to keep hands clean and prevent any irritation from spicy ingredients.
Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for the best texture.
Adjust jalapeño pepper paste quantity based on your preferred spice level.
If you can’t find Steen’s pure cane syrup, dark corn syrup is a good substitute.
Check the internal temperature of the rolls with a thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American with Cajun influences

Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage rolls recipe, baked cabbage rolls, Cajun stuffed cabbage, ground beef and pork cabbage rolls