If you’re dreaming of a dinner that brings together soul-stirring comfort, a touch of Southern flair, and a hearty helping of home-cooked flavor, Creole Cabbage Rolls are about to become your new go-to favorite. This dish wraps savory ground meat, fragrant spices, and tender rice in blanched cabbage leaves, then bakes everything under a blanket of tangy tomato sauce until bubbling and irresistible. With each bite, you’ll find the signature taste of New Orleans mingling perfectly with simple, wholesome ingredients—making Creole Cabbage Rolls a worthy star at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Creole Cabbage Rolls couldn’t be more approachable—just gather a handful of simple ingredients that work their magic together. Each one lends a unique flair, whether it’s for color, a burst of flavor, or that essential heartiness you crave in comfort food.
- Green cabbage: The star wrap—choose a large, firm head for sturdy leaves that will hold the filling perfectly and become wonderfully tender when baked.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon adds richness and helps soften the veggies for maximum flavor in your filling.
- Ground beef: Lean, savory, and satisfying, ground beef gives the rolls their classic body and taste.
- Ground pork (optional): A little pork makes the filling even more juicy and flavorful, but you can stick with all beef if you prefer.
- Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, onion brings mellow sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Green bell pepper: Adds signature Creole color, crunch, and a subtle peppery note.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, are essential for that aromatic southern undertone.
- Creole seasoning: The distinctive spice blend that ties the whole dish together—smoky, peppery, and just a hint of heat.
- Smoked paprika: For a whisper of smokiness and beautiful color throughout the filling.
- Dried thyme: Earthy, herbal, and uplifting, thyme adds depth and a little southern twang.
- Cooked white rice: Binds the filling and adds comforting texture—use fresh or leftover rice for convenience.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Canned tomatoes keep the filling moist and tangy; their juice helps form a delicious sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the finished dish its saucy, satisfying finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced filling—don’t skip this step!
- Chopped parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish that pops against the rich, savory rolls.
How to Make Creole Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a simmering boil. Gently peel twelve large, whole leaves from your cabbage head—going slow keeps them from tearing. Dunk the leaves into the boiling water for two to three minutes, just until they’re wilted enough to roll but still hold together. Drain and let them cool off while you get the filling ready; tender leaves make rolling so much easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Filling
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions, green bell pepper, and garlic, letting them sauté just until they’re fragrant and softened—it takes about three or four minutes. Next, add the ground beef (and pork, if you like it juicy and rich), breaking it apart with a spoon and letting it cook until it’s thoroughly browned. Sprinkle over the Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a dash or two of salt and black pepper, then stir well so every bite gets seasoned. Once you’ve turned off the heat, mix in the cooked rice and about half of the diced tomatoes for a filling that’s hearty and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Now comes the fun part! Lay a blanched cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Place about a quarter to a third cup of the meat and rice filling in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf, then roll it up from the bottom, tucking tightly so the filling stays inside. Place the finished roll seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish, and keep going until all your leaves are rolled and nestled closely together.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Bake
In a small bowl, combine the rest of your diced tomatoes with the tomato sauce, giving it a little stir to blend. Pour this vibrant mixture evenly over the arranged cabbage rolls, making sure each one gets a nice coating. Cover your dish snugly with foil and slide it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45 minutes to let all those flavors mingle and the cabbage become meltingly tender. After that, remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes more—this gives everything a chance to thicken and get a little golden on top.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your Creole Cabbage Rolls have baked to bubbly perfection, pull them from the oven and shower with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. This green sprinkle adds freshness and a cheerful, colorful finish. Let the rolls set for a few minutes before serving so you get perfect slices bursting with savory goodness.
How to Serve Creole Cabbage Rolls
Garnishes
A good garnish is like the exclamation point on a beautiful plate! Before serving, add a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top of the Creole Cabbage Rolls for a pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness. If you love a little added spice, a pinch of extra Creole seasoning or a scattering of thinly sliced green onions can add zing and make each roll look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Creole Cabbage Rolls pair beautifully with simple Southern sides. Serve them up with fluffy white rice to soak up extra sauce, buttery cornbread, or even creamy mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to all that savory richness, and don’t forget a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Creole Cabbage Rolls at a gathering, stack them artfully in a wide, shallow bowl and ladle extra sauce over the top for a dramatic look. For an appetizer twist, slice each roll in half on the diagonal and arrange on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Mini versions (using smaller cabbage leaves and less filling) make charming bite-sized party treats, utterly irresistible and perfect for dipping into extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Creole Cabbage Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—the flavors only deepen with a little rest, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
Creole Cabbage Rolls are perfect for freezing, whether you want to bake them fresh or make a batch for later. Assemble the rolls and freeze them (with or without sauce) in a tightly covered baking dish, or cool baked rolls completely before freezing. When stored properly, they’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until bubbling hot—usually about 20–25 minutes. For smaller portions, use the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of tomato sauce or broth if needed to keep things nice and saucy. Either way, you’ll be treated to moist, tasty rolls all over again.
FAQs
Can I make Creole Cabbage Rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap in cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a meatless ground product for the beef and pork. Stick with all the aromatic veggies and Creole seasonings for the same bold, satisfying flavor without any meat.
What makes these different from traditional cabbage rolls?
The key to Creole Cabbage Rolls is the appealing blend of Creole spices: paprika, thyme, and the lively Creole seasoning itself, plus the classic “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery that’s so popular in Louisiana cooking. The result is a zesty, vibrant filling that sets these rolls apart from their Eastern European cousins.
Can I make Creole Cabbage Rolls without rice?
You can! While rice gives the filling its traditional heft, you can substitute cooked quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even skip the grain if preferred—just increase the protein or veggies a bit to help bind everything together.
How spicy are Creole Cabbage Rolls?
They’re flavorful with a mild kick—so everyone can enjoy them. If you like extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. For a milder version, simply use a lighter hand with the Creole seasoning.
Can I prepare Creole Cabbage Rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls up to two days ahead, cover tightly, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can pull out a homemade meal whenever you need a touch of comfort.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Creole Cabbage Rolls—the way they blend humble ingredients into a meal that feels festive, homey, and utterly satisfying. If you’re looking to bring a little Southern warmth and a lot of flavor to your table, give this recipe a try. You might just find it becomes a new family tradition!
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Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (2 rolls each) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Creole cabbage rolls are a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. A satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage: Boil water, blanch cabbage leaves, and set aside to cool.
- Cook Filling: Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, then add meats and seasonings. Stir in rice and tomatoes.
- Fill and Roll: Place filling on cabbage leaves, roll tightly, and arrange in baking dish.
- Bake: Cover rolls with tomato mixture, bake covered, then uncovered until done. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- To add spiciness, include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling.
- These rolls can be frozen before or after baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
