Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish made by rolling a mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, and vegetables inside blanched cabbage leaves, then baking or simmering them in a flavorful sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make stuffed cabbage rolls:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (you can also use a combination of both)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place it in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the leaves are soft and pliable.
- Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves one by one. Trim the tough rib from each leaf.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Take one cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture near the base of the leaf. Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, olive oil, brown sugar, and lemon juice. This will be your sauce.
- Cook the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
These stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious served on their own or with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Enjoy!
