Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort dish, combining tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and savory spices. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, turkey, or a mixture)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the head of cabbage and carefully place the cabbage in the boiling water. Boil for about 5-8 minutes, until the outer leaves are softened.
- Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off the large, softened leaves. Set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture in the center. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the cabbage rolls in the skillet, seam-side down. Brown lightly on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken or beef broth.
- Simmer the Cabbage Rolls:
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot, topped with extra sauce from the skillet. Enjoy with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.