Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful meat and rice filling, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A classic comfort food perfect for family dinners, this dish is hearty, nutritious, and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 oz tomato paste
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Core the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves.
- Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and let cool.
Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the base of each cabbage leaf.
- Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Rolls:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are covered.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender.
Serve:
- Serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Variations: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian filling with mushrooms and lentils.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
