Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Heartwarming Classic with a Delicious Twist!
There’s something nostalgic about stuffed cabbage rolls. My grandmother made them every holiday, filling the house with a rich aroma. These cabbage rolls are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and a tangy tomato sauce, simmered to perfection. It’s comfort food at its best, and it’ll surely become a family favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage: Core the cabbage and carefully peel off 12-15 large leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in cooked rice and the egg, mixing until everything is combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a surface, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center, and roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat for all the leaves.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook the Rolls: In a large Dutch oven or deep pan, arrange the cabbage rolls tightly together. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the rolls, covering them completely.
- Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and serve with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips & Extras:
- Add a bit of ground pork to the beef for a richer filling.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika to the filling.
- If you don’t have a large cabbage, you can use two smaller ones.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
Printable Recipe Summary:
| Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1.5 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours |
| Servings | 6 |
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, these rolls freeze well! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or on the stove when ready to eat.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you prefer a lighter version.
Q: What’s the best way to serve these?
These cabbage rolls are amazing on their own, but pair them with mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious tomato sauce.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling the day before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook the rolls.
These stuffed cabbage rolls bring a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it will be a staple on your table!
