Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender cabbage leaves, savory meat, and a rich tomato sauce. This classic recipe, beloved in many cultures, combines ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in cabbage and baked to perfection. The rolls are then smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce that enhances the savory filling. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, these stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to satisfy and delight, offering a warm and nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage.
- Place the cabbage in the boiling water for a few minutes, then peel off the outer leaves as they become tender and flexible. Continue until you have about 12-15 large leaves. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll up from the thick end of the leaf to the thin end, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, packing them tightly together.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure they are well covered.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Check occasionally and add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve:
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or crusty bread on the side.
for more recipes click here