Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any family dinner. This recipe combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory beef and rice filling, baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a dish that not only tastes great but also fills your home with delightful aromas.
Ingredients:
1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
01 cup beef or vegetable broth
Directions:
Prepare the Cabbage:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water.
Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened.
Remove the cabbage from the water and peel off the leaves. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto a cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
Bake:
Pour the tomato sauce and broth over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
Serve:
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal!
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish your stuffed cabbage rolls with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a touch of color and flavor.
Pair with Sides: Serve with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Reheat Properly: If reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave. To retain the rolls’ texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cabbage rolls. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if necessary. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: To thaw frozen cabbage rolls, place them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them directly from frozen, though it may take a bit longer.
Freezing Sauce: If you have extra sauce, freeze it in a separate container. It can be used to make more cabbage rolls or as a sauce for other dishes.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein.
How do I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the cabbage rolls a day or two in advance. Assemble them as directed, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge and bake as usual. You can also freeze them before baking; just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After assembling the rolls, place them in the slow cooker, pour the tomato sauce and broth over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you prefer not to use tomato sauce, you can substitute it with marinara sauce, a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a bit of broth, or even a simple homemade sauce made with pureed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Conclusion:
This recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of tender cabbage, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce makes it a truly comforting dish. Enjoy this classic recipe that brings both flavor and warmth to your table!
📖 Recipe:
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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a classic dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this hearty recipe offers both delicious flavor and satisfying warmth.
Ingredients
1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Boil the whole cabbage head in a large pot of water for about 5 minutes, until the outer leaves are softened. Peel off the leaves and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides. Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Bake: Pour tomato sauce and broth over the rolls. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans or lentils.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
