Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful meat and rice filling, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This classic comfort food is a family favorite!

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 rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the entire head in the boiling water for a few minutes to soften the outer leaves.
• Remove the cabbage from the water and peel off the outer leaves. Repeat the process until you have about 12-14 leaves.
• Set the leaves aside and let them cool.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.

1. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

• Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a surface, and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
• Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to form a secure roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water (or broth), sugar, lemon juice (or vinegar), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

1. Bake the Cabbage Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
• Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, tightly packed in a single layer.
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

1. Serve:

• Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the rolls hot with a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce.

Enjoy!

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, old-fashioned dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The tender cabbage leaves and savory filling make it a perfect meal for any day of the week!

Here’s a classic recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls—a comforting dish made with tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions!