Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Hearty and Comforting Family Dinner Recipe
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and satisfying dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and spices. This classic dish is simmered in a savory tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s a perfect hearty meal for family dinners, especially on cool nights. Let’s get started on making this crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage (about 12 large leaves)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground pork
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
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For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Cabbage Leaves. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 12 large leaves from the cabbage, trim any thick stems, and place them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften. Drain the leaves and set them aside on a clean towel to cool.
Prepare the Filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Assemble the Rolls. Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up the leaf to form a tight roll. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish, ensuring they are covered.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the rolls are tender and the sauce is thickened.
Serve. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Recipe tips
Make sure the cabbage leaves are fully softened before wrapping; if they're too stiff, they’ll be difficult to roll and may break. Adjust the seasoning in the filling to your preference. A little extra garlic or paprika can give the rolls an added kick. You can assemble the cabbage rolls and refrigerate them in the sauce up to one day in advance, then bake when ready to serve. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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