Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal, stuffed cabbage rolls are a perfect choice! This dish features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. Best enjoyed with a side of homemade bread, this meal is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 15 cabbage leaves
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¼ cup uncooked white rice
• ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the crushed tomatoes and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Blanch the Cabbage:

   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the cabbage leaves for about 1 minute until they are tender and flexible. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Filling:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 1 cup of the prepared sauce, raw rice, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Rolls:

   • Remove the thick vein from the cabbage leaves. Take ⅓ cup of the filling and place it at one end of a leaf.
   • Roll up tightly, tucking in the sides. Continue until all the filling is used.

5. Bake the Cabbage Rolls:

   • Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange the rolls seam-side down.
   • Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Tips for Preparing Ahead

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and rolls a day in advance. Just remember, since they contain raw meat, don’t keep them in the fridge for more than a day.
• Freezing Instructions: Allow the stuffed rolls to cool, then freeze them (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls are delightful on their own but pair well with:

• Fresh Bread: A slice of rustic homemade bread
• Salads: A crisp Caesar salad or candied carrots
• Desserts: Consider finishing the meal with a delicious Chocolate Orange Cake.

Enjoy your homemade stuffed cabbage rolls! This delightful dish is bound to be a family favorite.