Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, hearty dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is popular in many cultures, from Eastern European variations to Mediterranean twists. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup prepared tomato sauce (from above)
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Immerse the whole cabbage head in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until the leaves soften.
- Remove from water and carefully peel 12 large leaves.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, rice, onion powder, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, parsley, and egg.
- Stir in ½ cup of the prepared tomato sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Lay each cabbage leaf flat and trim the thick stem.
- Place ⅓ cup of the meat mixture in the center of each leaf.
- Roll the cabbage leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 70-90 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions & Tips
- Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce.
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Would you like variations or additional cooking tips? 🍽️🥬