Introduction
Experience the comforting flavors of home with our Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. These hearty and satisfying rolls feature tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or showcased as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings, these cabbage rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing 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 until the outer leaves are softened and easy to peel off.
- Remove the cabbage from the pot and carefully peel off 12-14 large leaves. Set aside to cool.
2. Making the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assembling the Rolls
- Take one cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the beef mixture near the stem end.
- Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling, placing the rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish.
4. Making the Tomato Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring that they are fully covered.
5. Baking the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and tender.
6. Serving Up Comfort
- Once cooked, remove the foil from the baking dish and serve the cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy Every Bite of Comfort
Get ready to savor the warmth and flavor of our Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner for the family or shared with friends at a potluck gathering, these comforting rolls are sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied and content. Embrace the tradition of home-cooked goodness and treat yourself to a taste of pure comfort with each delicious bite.
