If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s both hearty and healthy, Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls are the perfect solution. This dish brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mix of ground goose meat, rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a classic recipe with a twist, offering a unique yet delicious take on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Whether you’re looking to impress your family at dinner or need a dish for your next potluck, Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls are sure to be a hit.

What makes Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls stand out is the rich, gamey flavor of the goose meat combined with the softness of the cabbage and the perfect balance of herbs and seasonings. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. With its origins in Eastern European cooking, cabbage rolls are a staple in many households, and this variation using goose meat offers a flavorful upgrade to the classic.

These rolls are not just about taste—they’re also a great way to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal. Packed with protein from the goose, fiber from the cabbage, and essential vitamins from the herbs, this dish is as good for you as it is delicious. Plus, the rolls can be prepared ahead of time and make fantastic leftovers, making them ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why This Easy Goose Cabbage Roll Recipe?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 45 minutes with easy-to-follow steps.
• Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein and vegetables.
• Unique Flavor: Ground goose adds a distinctive taste to the traditional cabbage rolls.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or serving at a gathering.
• Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste.

What You Need for Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground goose meat
• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably long-grain)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

How to Make Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Start by blanching the cabbage. Carefully peel the leaves off the head, then submerge the entire head in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften. Once tender, remove and set aside to cool.
   
2. Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the ground goose meat, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt, cooking until the meat is browned. Add the cooked rice and mix well.
   
3. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Once the cabbage leaves have cooled enough to handle, cut out the tough stem at the bottom of each leaf. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each leaf and roll them tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
   
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Bake the Rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a baking dish, then pour the tomato sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
   

Tips for Perfect Goose Cabbage Rolls

• Make Ahead: These rolls are perfect for meal prep. Prepare them a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers in the meat filling for extra flavor.
• Substitute Meat: If goose is hard to find, ground turkey or beef can also work well.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include breadcrumbs or other gluten-containing ingredients.
• Low-Fat: Use lean ground goose or turkey to reduce the fat content.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat for a hearty mix of mushrooms, rice, and beans.

Make It Healthier

• Less Oil: Reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon to lower the fat content.
• Extra Veggies: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for added nutrition.
• Skip the Rice: Substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Closing for Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls

Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, filling, and nutritious dish that brings something new to the table while maintaining the comforting feel of a classic. Whether you’re looking for a meal to impress guests or something to enjoy with your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. This dish is perfect for cold days, family dinners, or even making ahead for busy nights. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfaction that come from creating a homemade dish that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls

Can I make this with a different type of meat?
Yes, ground beef, turkey, or pork can be used as a substitute for goose.

How long do these cabbage rolls last in the fridge?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat by baking at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What can I serve with these rolls?
Pair them with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use pre-made tomato sauce?
Yes, store-bought tomato sauce works perfectly well in this recipe.

Are these rolls spicy?
The rolls themselves are not spicy, but you can adjust the seasoning to include spicy elements like hot sauce or chili flakes if you prefer.

Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
Yes, they can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, a bit of shredded cheese, like mozzarella or parmesan, can be added for a cheesy twist.

Can I make these rolls without tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use extra tomato sauce, though the flavor might be a bit lighter.

Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
Yes, pre-cooked rice works best for the filling, as it absorbs the flavors of the meat and sauce without becoming too mushy.

Can I use frozen cabbage leaves?
Yes, frozen cabbage leaves can be used, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly before stuffing them to prevent excess moisture.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers for the next day.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t require any flour or breadcrumbs in the filling. Just be sure to check the ingredients on your tomato sauce for any hidden gluten.

Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls are a great way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal with a unique twist on a classic dish. Whether for a family dinner, a meal prep solution, or to wow guests, this recipe is both easy to make and full of satisfying flavors. With the ability to customize and adjust according to your tastes, you’ll find yourself making these rolls time and time again. So, grab your ingredients, get rolling, and enjoy a dish that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Happy cooking!

Easy Goose Cabbage Rolls

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage

• 1 lb ground goose meat

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably long-grain)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Cabbage: Start by blanching the cabbage. Carefully peel the leaves off the head, then submerge the entire head in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften. Once tender, remove and set aside to cool.
• Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the ground goose meat, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt, cooking until the meat is browned. Add the cooked rice and mix well.
• Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Once the cabbage leaves have cooled enough to handle, cut out the tough stem at the bottom of each leaf. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each leaf and roll them tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake the Rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a baking dish, then pour the tomato sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.