Here’s a classic recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, combining tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices. It’s then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce for a comforting and hearty meal!
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel 12–14 large leaves from the cabbage head.
- Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Remove, drain, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the stem end, tucking in the edges to seal the filling.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, sugar, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer on medium heat for 5–10 minutes.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Pour a small amount of sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, packing them close together.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover with foil or a lid, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with additional sauce spooned over the top.
Enjoy these comforting, saucy cabbage rolls as they make a perfect main dish with some mashed potatoes or crusty bread on the side!