Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and delicious dish perfect for family dinners. The tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese, these rolls are sure to be a hit.

Preparation Time:

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1 hour

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 toppings

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

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage:
    • Boil a large pot of salted water.
    • Cut deeply at a 45-degree angle to remove the core of the cabbage.
    • Place the cabbage in boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.
    • Using tongs, remove 8-10 leaves and allow them to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and milk.
    • Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and rice. Mix well to combine.
  3. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Rolls:
    • Lay out a cabbage leaf and scoop about 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) of the beef mixture onto it. Roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.
    • Pour a layer of sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish.
    • Place the cabbage rolls in the dish side by side.
    • Cover them with the remaining sauce.
    • Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
  5. Bake:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Bake the cabbage rolls for 1 hour.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and grate your favorite cheese on top.
    • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cabbage rolls.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
  • Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
  • For extra flavor, you can add herbs like parsley or dill to the filling.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K.
  • Lean ground beef provides protein and iron.
  • This dish includes a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Dietary Information:

  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
  • To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese topping or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Storage:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for family dinners.
  • The combination of savory filling and tangy sauce is delicious and satisfying.
  • It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Conclusion:

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delightful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any family meal. With their savory beef and rice filling, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese topping, they are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish with your loved ones!