Looking for a hearty and delicious comfort food that’s easy to make? Look no further than this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe! This classic dish features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, all coated in a homemade tomato sauce and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (do not drain)
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves (divided)
- 1 egg
- 1 head cabbage
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the tomato sauce is simmering, prepare the cabbage rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Immerse the head of cabbage in the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves are pliable. Carefully peel off 12 large leaves.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and egg. Add 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Lay each cabbage leaf on a flat surface and use a small knife to remove the thick part of the cabbage rib by cutting a V-shaped notch. Place 1/3 cup of the meat mixture in the center of a cabbage leaf and roll it up. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray and spread 1/2 of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the dish and top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60-90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Sprinkle the stuffed cabbage rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley before serving.
These stuffed cabbage rolls make for a satisfying and comforting meal. The tender cabbage leaves, flavorful beef and rice filling, and tangy tomato sauce come together to create a delightful combination of flavors. Enjoy this classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
