Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

by

Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food, combining tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic dish is known for its hearty flavors and homestyle appeal, making it a favorite in many households. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, these cabbage rolls bring warmth and nostalgia to the table. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce

  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

Preparing the Cabbage

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
  3. Place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  4. As the leaves soften, use tongs to gently peel them off one by one.
  5. Set the softened leaves aside to cool.

Making the Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
  2. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
  3. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito.
  4. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Making the Sauce

  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
  5. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour a layer of sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
  5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender.

Serving

  1. Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Serve hot with extra sauce on top and enjoy this classic homemade dish.

Leave a Comment