cabbage rolls, likely baked in a creamy cheese sauce

Here’s a comforting recipe for Cabbage Rolls Baked in a Creamy Cheese Sauce—hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a family dinner.

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Cabbage Rolls in Creamy Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, turkey, or a mix
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder or a pinch of nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
2. Core the cabbage and gently separate leaves.
3. Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the center of a cabbage leaf.
2. Fold sides over the filling and roll tightly.
3. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder.

5. Bake the Cabbage Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place cabbage rolls in a baking dish and pour the creamy cheese sauce over them.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
• Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad.

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Tips

• Cheese Variety: Mix cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a richer flavor.
• Extra Flavor: Add a splash of cream or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
• Make Ahead: Assemble rolls a day in advance and bake before serving.

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These cabbage rolls in creamy cheese sauce are tender, savory, and indulgent—a perfect twist on a classic comfort dish.

If you like, I can also provide a low-carb version where rice is replaced with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version.