Imagine tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a spiced, savory filling, all nestled in a rich Creole tomato sauce that’s what we’re making today. These Creole Cabbage Rolls are cozy, comforting, and packed with bold flavor in every single bite. Whether you grew up on cabbage rolls or you’re trying them for the first time, this version adds a zesty Southern twist that will absolutely win you over. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Creole Cabbage Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it as a hearty main dish, or pair it with cornbread and greens for a soulful spread.
Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients like rice, cabbage, and ground meat you probably already have most of them on hand.
Quick and Easy: Don’t let the rolling fool you it’s easier than it looks, and totally worth it.
Customizable: Use beef, turkey, or go meatless with lentils and mushrooms. You can even swap white rice for brown or cauliflower rice.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Creole Cabbage Rolls

Here’s the soulful blend of ingredients that makes this dish shine:

Green Cabbage: The wrapper for our flavorful filling softens perfectly when boiled and baked.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Savory, protein-packed, and the base of your hearty filling.
Cooked Rice: Adds texture and helps stretch the filling, making it super satisfying.
Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base in both the filling and the sauce.
Bell Pepper and Celery: Essential for that signature Creole “holy trinity” flavor.
Creole Seasoning: A bold mix of spices that gives the dish its unforgettable Southern personality.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: The saucy blanket that brings it all together zesty, rich, and comforting.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of tang.
Salt and Pepper: The foundation of great seasoning don’t skip ’em!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything ready for baking goodness.

Boil the Cabbage: Remove the core and simmer the whole cabbage in boiling water until the leaves are tender and flexible, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and peel off the large leaves.

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, ground meat, chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and Creole seasoning until well combined.

Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, more chopped onion and garlic, Worcestershire, and additional Creole seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.

Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat, place a generous spoonful of filling in the center, then fold and roll like a burrito. Repeat until you’ve used up all your filling and cabbage.

Layer in the Dish: Pour a little sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top.

Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until everything is bubbling and beautifully tender.

Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5–10 minutes to settle and cool slightly.

Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up warm and get ready for that first bite of flavorful, saucy goodness.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 390
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Creole Cabbage Rolls

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Spoon extra sauce over the rolls and serve with buttery mashed potatoes or cornbread.
• A side of sautéed greens or green beans adds a fresh balance to the hearty rolls.
• For a full Southern spread, add mac and cheese or sweet potato mash.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Don’t overstuff the rolls smaller is easier to roll and holds together better.
• Use leftover rice and pre-chopped veggies to save time.
• Freeze extra rolls before baking for an easy make-ahead meal.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika for an even deeper flavor.
• If your cabbage leaves tear, just overlap two smaller ones it works like a charm!

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Sub the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.

2. Do I have to cook the cabbage first?
Yes, boiling softens the leaves so they’re pliable and easy to roll.

3. Can I use red cabbage?
You can, but it’s a bit tougher and the color may change when cooked.

4. Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the Creole seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven covered at 325°F (165°C) or in the microwave with a splash of sauce.

7. Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Yes freeze unbaked or baked rolls and thaw before reheating.

8. What can I use instead of rice?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great gluten-free or low-carb swaps.

9. Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce?
You can! Just adjust the seasoning since marinara may already be spiced.

10. How do I keep my rolls from falling apart?
Roll tightly and place them seam-side down to keep everything secure.

CONCLUSION

Creole Cabbage Rolls take a beloved comfort dish and give it a spicy, soulful makeover that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. With that savory filling, rich tomato sauce, and Southern charm in every bite, it’s a recipe that delivers big on both flavor and heart. So grab a head of cabbage and get rolling your taste buds will thank you!

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