Creole Cabbage Rolls

Looking for a twist on the classic cabbage rolls? You’re going to love these Creole Cabbage Rolls! Imagine tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory blend of seasoned ground meat, rice, and a zesty Creole-inspired tomato sauce. The combination of flavors—spicy, smoky, and just the right amount of heat—will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, these Creole cabbage rolls are sure to impress. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.

Why You’ll Love These Creole Cabbage Rolls

Creole Flavor Profile: A rich and spicy tomato-based sauce with a blend of Creole seasonings adds a whole new layer of flavor to this dish.
Comfort Food with a Kick: You’ll get all the comfort of classic cabbage rolls, but with the bold, exciting flavors of Creole cuisine.
Customizable: You can make them as spicy as you like! Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or chili flakes.
Hearty and Satisfying: These rolls are packed with a delicious combination of meat, rice, and veggies, making them a perfect all-in-one meal.
Great for Meal Prep: These cabbage rolls store beautifully in the fridge and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients in Creole Cabbage Rolls

Here’s what you need to create these flavorful rolls:

For the Rolls:

• Large cabbage leaves
• Ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
• Cooked rice
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Bell pepper (chopped)
• Creole seasoning (or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper)
• Salt and pepper
• Egg (to bind the mixture)

For the Sauce:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth (or water)
• Hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaves
• Sugar (a small pinch to balance acidity)
• Additional Creole seasoning to taste

Instructions

Let’s get rolling (pun intended)! Here’s how you make these Creole Cabbage Rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

First, carefully remove the core of the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for about 2 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool. You can also trim the thick veins from the cabbage leaves to make them easier to roll.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the cooked rice, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in the beaten egg to bind everything together.

Step 3: Form the Rolls

Lay the cabbage leaves flat and place a generous amount of the filling in the center of each leaf. Carefully fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat this for all the cabbage leaves and filling.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, sugar, and extra Creole seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Rolls

Place the cabbage rolls in the pot with the sauce, making sure they are tightly packed together. Spoon some sauce over the top of the rolls and bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can occasionally spoon some sauce over the rolls while cooking to keep them moist.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rolls are done, remove them from the sauce and serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. Pair with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 24g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Creole
Diet: Gluten-free
Keywords: cabbage rolls, Creole cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, spicy cabbage rolls

How to Serve Creole Cabbage Rolls

• With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or rice pilaf to soak up that rich Creole sauce.
• With Cornbread: A slice of cornbread on the side will complement the dish perfectly and add a touch of Southern charm.
• With a Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the cabbage rolls.

Notes & Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the cabbage rolls ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator overnight. Simply cook the rolls the next day when you’re ready to eat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat for a hearty veggie mixture like mushrooms, lentils, or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze well! After cooking, let them cool, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prep the rolls and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook them. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time if they’re chilled.

Q2: Can I freeze the rolls before cooking?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the rolls, then freeze them before cooking. Once you’re ready, just simmer them from frozen, adding a little more time to the cooking process.

Q3: How spicy are these rolls?
A3: The spice level is adjustable. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or omit it entirely. For a kick, you can increase the hot sauce or add some red pepper flakes.

Q4: Can I use a different meat for the filling?
A4: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage would work wonderfully in place of ground beef or pork.

Q5: Can I add other veggies to the filling?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for more flavor and nutrients.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra sauce to keep them moist.

Q7: What if I don’t have Creole seasoning?
A7: You can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Q8: Can I make the sauce spicier?
A8: Yes, you can always add more hot sauce or chili flakes to bring up the heat.

Q9: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A9: Yes! After preparing the rolls and sauce, place them in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours.

Q10: What side dishes pair well with Creole Cabbage Rolls?
A10: A side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple side salad would be a great addition to balance the richness of the rolls.

Conclusion

These Creole Cabbage Rolls are packed with bold flavors, comfort, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this recipe has it all. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and a real crowd-pleaser. You’re going to love how satisfying and delicious these rolls are. Enjoy!

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