Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, all smothered in a tangy tomato sauce. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for family meals or special gatherings. The combination of the juicy ground beef, soft rice, and flavorful sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Topped with melted cheese, these stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious, wholesome dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you serve them on a cozy evening at home or at a gathering, cabbage rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation Time
- Total preparation and cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8-10 cabbage leaves
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 beaten egg
- Cheese of your choice for topping
For the Sauce:
- 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Directions
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Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cut deeply at a 45-degree angle to remove the core of the cabbage.
- Carefully place the cabbage in the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Use tongs to remove 8-10 leaves and set them aside to cool completely.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
- Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and rice. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients well.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce is well-combined.
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Assemble the Rolls:
- Lay out one cabbage leaf and scoop about 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of the beef mixture onto the center of the leaf.
- Carefully fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly to secure the stuffing inside.
- Pour a layer of the prepared sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls side by side in the dish.
- Cover the cabbage rolls with the remaining sauce.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake the cabbage rolls for about 1 hour.
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Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole dish from the oven and sprinkle your choice of grated cheese over the top of the cabbage rolls.
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- These cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes for a complete, filling meal.
- Serve with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the cabbage rolls.
- Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
Cooking Tips
- When removing the cabbage leaves from the boiling water, use tongs carefully to avoid tearing the leaves. Allow the leaves to cool before filling to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- If you want to add extra flavor to the rolls, you can sprinkle some herbs like thyme or dill into the sauce or filling.
- For a creamier sauce, you can mix in a small amount of sour cream or cream cheese with the tomato sauce.
- Be sure to tuck in the edges of the cabbage leaves when rolling to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- You can make the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cabbage: Cabbage is low in calories and rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, and antioxidants. It’s great for digestive health and contains fiber that supports healthy digestion.
- Ground beef: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients, such as iron and zinc, important for muscle growth and immune health.
- Rice: Rice adds a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and when paired with the beef, it provides a balanced meal.
- Tomato sauce: Rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health.
- Cheese: Adding cheese provides calcium and protein, which are essential for bone and muscle health.
Dietary Information
- This recipe is not gluten-free but can be modified by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or rice.
- The recipe is dairy-based, but you can substitute with a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Storage
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked cabbage rolls. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
These stuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and tender cabbage, all wrapped in a flavorful tomato sauce. The cheesy topping adds the perfect finish to this hearty meal, making it a perfect dish for a family dinner or special occasion. With its rich flavors and filling ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
5 Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, but the flavor will be slightly different.
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Can I make the rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and assemble the rolls a day before, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them when you’re ready.
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Can I use a different type of rice? You can substitute with other types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice. Just make sure the rice is cooked before adding it to the filling.
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Can I add vegetables to the filling? Yes! You can mix in finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Can I make the sauce spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a bit of heat.