Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic and comforting dish, featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and rice, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner and is even better as leftovers!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
🥬 1 large head of cabbage
🥩 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
🍚 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 1 tsp salt
🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
🌿 1 tsp dried parsley
🥚 1 large egg, beaten
For the Tomato Sauce:
🍅 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
🧂 1 tsp sugar
🧂 1/2 tsp salt
🌶️ 1/4 tsp black pepper
🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
🌿 1 tsp dried basil
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌰 1 small onion, finely chopped
🥛 Optional: 1/2 cup beef broth or water for extra sauce
📝 Directions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: 🥬 Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and carefully peel off 12-14 large leaves. Set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: 🥩 In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: 🍅 In a medium saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, lemon juice or vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, adding beef broth or water if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: 🥬 Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture to the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the leaf up from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls: 🍲 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, making sure the rolls are well covered.
- Bake: 🍲 Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve: 🍽️ Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each serving. These rolls pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your tender and flavorful Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!
⏱ Preparation Time: 30 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 2 hours
🍽 Servings: 6-8 servings
🔥 Calories: 300 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! 🥬✨