These classic stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting dish filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. Wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a tangy tomato sauce, they are a perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Enjoy the flavors of this traditional recipe that is sure to delight everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head.
- Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves start to soften.
- Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off 12-16 leaves, returning the head to the pot if necessary to soften more leaves.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place about 1/4 cup of the filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the base to the top.
- Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling, placing the rolled cabbage seam side down.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in the dish in a single layer, packing them snugly. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
- Cook:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!
Feel free to adjust any ingredients or spices to suit your taste preferences!