Are you in the mood for a warm, comforting meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying? Look no further than stuffed cabbage rolls! These savory rolls combine tender cabbage leaves, seasoned ground meat, and rice, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or preparing a meal for the week, these cabbage rolls are sure to please your taste buds and your guests. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
For the cabbage rolls:
• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the tomato sauce:
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
1. Boil the Cabbage: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Gently remove the leaves from the cabbage head one by one. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.
Make the Filling
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Assemble the Rolls
3. Stuff the Leaves: Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the filling (about 2 tablespoons) onto the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Cook the Cabbage Rolls
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and dried basil. Mix well.
5. Layer the Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they’re well-coated.
6. Simmer: Cover the skillet and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the rolls cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy
7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this wholesome meal with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Conclusion
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful filling, and rich tomato sauce is truly unbeatable. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
Let me know if you need any more changes or modifications.
