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Tender Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Cajun Seasoning and Tomato Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 131 reviews

These Tender Stuffed Cabbage Rolls combine ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs, spices, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Parboiled rice adds texture, while a hint of sweetness from cane syrup balances the heat from jalapeño paste and Creole Cajun seasoning. Baked to perfection, these rolls are perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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 as sub)
  • 1 tablespoon Creole Cajun Seasoning (divided)
  • 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 as sub; divided)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Cabbage Rolls & Sauce

  • 1 whole head green cabbage, core removed
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • Additional 2 teaspoons Creole Cajun Seasoning
  • Fresh chopped parsley or dill, for serving (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed parboiled rice, ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, chopped scallions, garlic paste, jalapeño paste, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, chopped parsley or dill, 1 tablespoon cane syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly using your hands (use gloves if desired) until fully incorporated. Cover and set aside to rest.
  3. Prep Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage with a paring knife.
  4. Soften Leaves: Carefully place the whole cabbage head into the boiling water and let it boil for 2-3 minutes until outer leaves loosen. Using tongs, peel off the outer leaves gently as they soften. Place the leaves on a plate to cool.
  5. Assemble Rolls: Once cabbage leaves are cool enough to handle, lay each leaf flat and spoon about 3 tablespoons of filling into the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from one edge to the other like a burrito, keeping the seam side down. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling, aiming for 15-17 rolls.
  6. Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, beef broth, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, remaining 2 tablespoons cane syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  7. Layer Dish: Pour half of the sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Nestle the cabbage rolls seam-side down tightly on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.
  8. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour or until the cabbage rolls reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F and are cooked through.
  9. Serve: Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice until water runs clear removes excess starch and prevents the filling from becoming gummy.
  • Use gloves when mixing the filling to avoid irritation from jalapeño and for easy cleanup.
  • If you cannot find Creole Cajun seasoning, use a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • The rolls can be prepared in advance, assembled, covered, and refrigerated before baking.
  • Check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, but adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven.

Keywords: Stuffed cabbage rolls, baked cabbage rolls, ground beef and pork, Creole seasoning, comfort food, southern cuisine

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/tender-stuffed-cabbage-rolls-with-cajun-seasoning-and-tomato-sauce-recipe/