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Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory ground beef and rice filling, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce. These hearty cabbage rolls make a comforting homemade meal.

Ingredients

  • Green cabbage
  • Ground beef
  • Cooked white rice
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Egg
  • Tomato sauce
  • Diced or crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Dried parsley
  • Beef broth or water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully lower the cabbage into the water and cook briefly, removing the outer leaves with tongs as they soften. Continue until you have enough flexible leaves for the rolls.
  3. Let the cabbage leaves cool until easy to handle. Trim some of the thick center rib from each leaf without cutting completely through the leaf.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. Mix just until evenly combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a little beef broth or water.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture over the bottom of the baking dish.
  7. Place a portion of beef filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll the leaf securely around the filling.
  8. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  9. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure the rolls are well covered.
  10. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 75–90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the ground beef filling reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon tomato sauce over each portion and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can replace the ground beef; cook the filling thoroughly before serving.
  • A combination of ground beef and ground pork can be used for a richer filling.
  • Cooked brown rice can replace white rice for a nuttier flavor and firmer texture.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne for extra heat.
  • Finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers can be added to the filling. Precook moisture-rich vegetables when necessary.
  • Store leftovers with plenty of sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • Cooked cabbage rolls can be frozen with their sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • For make-ahead preparation, assemble and refrigerate the rolls before baking, then cook thoroughly when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cabbage-rolls-recipe/