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:
- Core the cabbage and cook whole leaves in boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
- Simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, a beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix half of the tomato sauce into the meat mixture.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Cut the hard rib from each cabbage leaf to ease rolling.
- Place a portion of the meat mixture on each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.
Bake:
- Lay the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
To Serve:
- 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!