Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful beef and rice filling, and a rich tomato sauce makes this dish irresistible.

You’ll love this recipe for its rich taste and satisfying textures. It’s also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cabbage (about 8-10 leaves)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice (precooked or freshly made)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • Whisk egg and milk together.
    • Add ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Prep the Cabbage:
    • Core the cabbage and boil the whole head until leaves are tender and easy to peel off (about 5-8 minutes).
    • Cool leaves and trim thick veins.
  4. Assemble the Rolls:
    • Place about 1/4 cup of filling on each cabbage leaf, fold sides over, and roll up tightly.
  5. Bake:
    • Pour some sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
    • Place rolls seam-side down. Cover with remaining sauce.
    • Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour.
    • Uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables.
  • A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well.

Cooking Tips:

  • Make sure to trim the thick veins from the cabbage leaves for easier rolling.
  • If the cabbage leaves are too stiff, boil them a bit longer until they are pliable.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Lean ground beef provides protein and iron.
  • Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, and fiber.
  • The tomato sauce offers antioxidants and vitamin C.

Dietary Information:

  • This dish is gluten-free.
  • Can be made dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
  • The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste.
  • It’s packed with nutrients and flavors, making it both healthy and delicious.

Conclusion:

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. The tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling and baked in a flavorful tomato sauce create a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.