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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting classic dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground meat, cooked rice, onions, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Simmered gently in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, this meal delivers warmth and satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare, customizable, and make-ahead friendly, these rolls offer a delicious blend of textures and tastes everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Cabbage

  • Fresh large green cabbage leaves (enough to wrap the filling)

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 4 cups tomato sauce (or enough to cover rolls)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until pliable but not mushy. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel. Trim the thick vein from each leaf if needed for easier rolling.
  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, gently combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined without overworking to keep the filling tender.
  3. Assemble the rolls: Place a spoonful of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to seal the filling inside. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish or deep pot.
  4. Prepare the sauce and cook: Pour tomato sauce generously over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra tomato sauce over each portion for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Blanch cabbage leaves until flexible but not mushy for ideal texture and ease of rolling.
  • Mix filling ingredients gently to avoid dense rolls.
  • Fold sides of cabbage leaves before rolling to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
  • For stovetop method, simmer rolls gently in sauce on low heat instead of baking.
  • Let rolls rest before serving to let flavors settle and make slicing neater.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stuffed cabbage rolls, comfort food, cabbage recipe, ground beef cabbage rolls, stuffed vegetables, gluten free dinner