Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Garlic Sauce

These Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any occasion. Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, and topped with a delicious tomato garlic sauce, these rolls are sure to satisfy.

Preparation Time

  • Preparation: 30 minutes
  • Cooking: 50 minutes
  • Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cabbage, about 10 leaves needed
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes (from a 28-ounce can, remainder can be frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • Olive oil for cooking

Directions:

Prep the Cabbage:

  1. Core the cabbage and cook whole leaves in boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
  3. Simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, a beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix half of the tomato sauce into the meat mixture.

Assemble the Rolls:

  1. Cut the hard rib from each cabbage leaf to ease rolling.
  2. Place a portion of the meat mixture on each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.

Bake:

  1. Lay the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
  2. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
  3. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
  4. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.

To Serve:

  1. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
  • Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Cooking Tips

  • Make sure to remove the hard rib from the cabbage leaves to make rolling easier.
  • You can freeze any leftover crushed tomatoes for future use.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Cabbage: High in vitamins C and K, and fiber.
  • Ground Beef: Provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
  • Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: No (contains ground beef)
  • Vegan: No (contains ground beef and egg)
  • Gluten-Free: Yes
  • Dairy-Free: Yes
  • Egg-Free: No (contains egg)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and comforting with rich, savory flavors.
  • Nutritious and filling, perfect for a satisfying meal.
  • Versatile and can be paired with various side dishes.
  • Easy to prepare and cook, with straightforward steps.

Conclusion

Enjoy these delicious Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a perfect combination of tender cabbage, savory filling, and flavorful tomato garlic sauce. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Bon appétit!