If you’re craving a dish that brings bold flavors and comforting warmth all in one bite, this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a vibrant twist on a classic comfort food, marrying tender cabbage leaves with seasoned ground beef and rice, all bathed in a rich, spicy Creole tomato sauce. Each roll bursts with personality and a little Southern sass, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or impressing friends with something both hearty and full of zest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the aromatic spices that create bold, lively flavors to the wholesome cabbage leaves providing delightful texture and freshness.
- 1 medium head of cabbage: Softens perfectly to wrap the filling with just the right tenderness and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that absorbs all the wonderful Creole spices.
- 1/2 cup cooked rice: Adds a comforting bite and helps bind the filling together.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a vibrant punch that’s classic in Creole cooking.
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning: The star spice blend that turns simple into spectacular.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness that layers the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): A little heat to awaken the palate if you love a bit of spice.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Creates a smooth sauce base to envelop the rolls.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami kick that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and melds the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials for seasoning every component just right.
- Olive oil for sautéing: Helps soften onions and garlic while adding subtle richness.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright pop of green and freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Blanch the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, slicing out the thick stem from each so they roll easily. Blanch these leaves briefly in the boiling water until just softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it makes the cabbage pliable for rolling while preserving just enough bite and texture.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Ground Beef
In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, around 5 minutes. Toss in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it browns nicely. This creates a rich foundation for your filling that’s packed with savory goodness.
Step 3: Season and Combine the Filling
With the ground beef browned, stir in the Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you want a bit of a kick. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Then fold in the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly so every bite combines tender meat, spices, and the comforting texture of rice.
Step 4: Roll the Cabbage Leaves
Now the fun part: spoon a few generous spoonfuls of the seasoned beef and rice mixture into the center of each cabbage leaf. Roll it up tightly while folding in the sides, creating a neat little parcel that will hold together beautifully during cooking. This step takes a little patience but it’s worth every bit of effort!
Step 5: Prepare the Creole Sauce
In a large pot, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to marry. This sauce is the heart of the Creole character in your cabbage rolls, rich with layers of robust taste that elevate the dish.
Step 6: Cook the Cabbage Rolls in the Sauce
Carefully place the rolled cabbage leaves seam-side down in the pot with your simmering sauce. Cover and let everything simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the cabbage softens further, while the flavors mingle and deepen, resulting in tender rolls infused with zesty Creole spirit.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. This bright green garnish adds a lovely contrast to the deep reds and browns of the dish, visually inviting and bursting with a little extra flavor.
How to Serve Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a scattering of chopped green onions to bring different layers of flavor and color. These small touches make each serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve your Creole cabbage rolls alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or a simple bowl of steamed rice. These sides balance the robust, spicy nature of the rolls and make your meal feel fully rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, arrange the cabbage rolls together on a large platter with sauce drizzled generously over the top. If entertaining, plate each roll individually with a drizzle of Creole sauce and a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that feels both elegant and homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, letting the flavors continue to meld while you look forward to enjoying them again.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag, preferably with some sauce to protect them from drying out. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat cabbage rolls gently on the stove over low heat, covered, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water or broth and covering loosely to keep them moist. Avoid overheating to maintain their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and still absorbs the Creole spices beautifully. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
Is it necessary to blanch the cabbage leaves beforehand?
Blanching softens the cabbage so it’s pliable enough to roll without tearing. Skipping this step will make wrapping difficult, and the leaves might remain tough.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just keep the seasoning and sauce the same to retain that Creole flair.
How spicy is this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and customizable. The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can add it for a spicy kick or leave it out for a milder version.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover cabbage rolls taste fantastic reheated with extra sauce. Pair them with fresh bread or a light salad for a quick, comforting meal that feels fresh.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe is like inviting a little Louisiana magic into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying, made better by the warmth and depth of Creole seasoning. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal, these rolls bring people together with every bite. I truly hope it becomes a staple you return to again and again.
Print
Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Description
These Creole Cabbage Rolls offer a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring seasoned ground beef and rice wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, simmered in a rich tomato-based Creole sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal with a hint of smoky spice and a touch of Southern charm.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully separate and remove the leaves from the cabbage head, trimming out the tough stem at the base of each leaf. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until softened enough to roll. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown Beef Mixture: Add ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic, cooking until fully browned and breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked rice until evenly combined. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Rolls: Place a few spoonfuls of the beef and rice mixture in the center of each blanched cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to encase the filling securely.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large pot, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Cabbage Rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let the rolls simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have fully melded.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cooked cabbage rolls before serving. These rolls pair beautifully with crusty bread or additional rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage leaves makes them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Serve with sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
