Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls

Introduction

Savory, aromatic, and deeply comforting, Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls fill the kitchen with the irresistible scent of simmering tomato sauce and tender cabbage leaves. This old-fashioned family recipe stands out for its perfectly seasoned filling, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and slow-cooked richness that tastes even better the next day. Loved across generations, Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls balance hearty comfort with simple, honest ingredients. This is the kind of dish that brings people to the table early and keeps them lingering long after dinner. You’ll learn how to recreate every cozy, nostalgic bite with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls have been passed down and requested again and again. First, the texture contrast is unbeatable. You get tender cabbage wrapped around a juicy, flavorful meat and rice filling, all bathed in a slightly tangy, lightly sweet tomato sauce. Every bite feels balanced and satisfying.

This recipe also shines because it’s approachable. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are pantry-friendly. You don’t need special equipment or advanced skills, just a little patience and love. Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls are perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or Sunday dinners when you want something hearty but not complicated. Best of all, they freeze beautifully, making them a practical comfort food you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

To make Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls, you’ll need simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Use 1 large green cabbage, about 2 to 2.5 lb (900 g to 1.1 kg), with intact leaves for easy rolling. For the filling, prepare 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, ideally 80 percent lean for juiciness, along with 1 cup (190 g) uncooked long-grain white rice. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, for depth.

You’ll also need 1 large egg to bind the filling, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. For the sauce, use 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce, 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to balance acidity.

Pro Tips

The first key to perfect Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls is cabbage prep. Remove the core carefully, then soften the leaves in gently boiling water. Don’t overcook them. You want flexible leaves that won’t tear when rolling.

Second, don’t overmix the filling. Combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and spices just until blended. Overworking the mixture can lead to dense rolls instead of tender ones.

Third, layer flavor as you cook. Spoon a thin layer of tomato sauce into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolls. This prevents sticking and infuses flavor from the start. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top so every roll cooks in that rich, tangy goodness.

Instructions

Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, peeling off softened leaves as they loosen. Set leaves aside to cool.

Step 2
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. The mixture should feel moist but not wet.

Step 3
Trim the thick center vein from each cabbage leaf using a small knife. This makes rolling easier and prevents cracking.

Step 4
Place about 0.25 cup of filling near the base of each leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up, creating a neat bundle.

Step 5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish or Dutch oven.

Step 6
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, fitting them snugly so they hold their shape while cooking.

Step 7
In a bowl, stir together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and brown sugar. Pour evenly over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered.

Step 8
Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 90 minutes. Remove the cover during the last 15 minutes if you want a slightly thicker sauce. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls adapt easily to different tastes and diets. For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The rolls stay juicy while feeling less heavy.

For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and rice. Season generously to maintain depth of flavor.

You can also explore international twists, similar to stuffed cabbage rolls or old-fashioned cabbage rolls, by adding herbs like dill or parsley and a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. Each variation keeps the comforting spirit while offering something new.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

For longer storage, freeze fully cooked rolls in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serve these rolls with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple cucumber salad for freshness. They also pair well with roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that feels both homey and special.

FAQs

Can I make Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to cook the rice first?
No. The rice cooks perfectly inside the rolls as they bake.

What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal because it softens evenly and rolls easily.

Can I cook these on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer gently in a covered pot for about 2 hours on low heat.

Why are my rolls falling apart?
This usually happens if the leaves are undercooked or the rolls aren’t placed seam-side down.

Conclusion

This Aunty Myrna’s Cabbage Rolls is comfort food at its finest — tender cabbage wrapped around a savory, perfectly seasoned filling and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, fills the house with warmth, and turns an ordinary evening into a cherished memory.