Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Cabbage rolls displayed on a white plate that have been cut in half and the meat and rice filling showing in the middle.

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

This classic, hearty stuffed cabbage roll recipe is filled with tasty meat, soft cabbage, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Homemade cabbage rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a fun and comforting meal perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

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Prep Time: 35

Cook Time: 2 30

Total Time: 3 5

Course: lunch & dinner meals

Cuisine: American, Canadian, german, Polish, Ukranian

Keyword: cabbage roll recipe, cabbage rolls, easy cabbage roll recipe, stuffed cabbage roll recipe, stuffed cabbage rolls

Servings:

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Deborah McDonald

Cost: $15

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large Cabbage
1 lb Ground Beef
1 cup Rice ,cooked
1 large Onion , finely chopped
2 whole Cloves of Garlic , minced
1 tbsp Parsley , chopped
1 large Egg
1 Salt and black pepper , to taste
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Dried Thyme (optional)

For the Sauce

1 can Crushed Tomatoes (14 oz)
1 cup Tomato Sauce
1 cup Beef or Vegetable Broth
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 lemon Lemon Juice
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Salt and Pepper , to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully core the cabbage head and place it, head down, in the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the outer leaves soften.
Remove and drain the cabbage and let it cool. Once cooled, carefully peel off the tender cabbage leaves, trimming the thick vein in the center for easier rolling. I keep the large leaves on the outside of the cabbage to use on the bottom of the baking dish.

Making the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, chopped parsley, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Assembling the Rolls

Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon a generous portion of the filling (about 2 tablespoons) onto the bottom of each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Preparing the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef or vegetable broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Cooking The Cabbage Rolls

Heat oven to 375 F.
Place some extra leaves from the cabbage on the bottom of your baking dish.
Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of a large Dutch oven or pot. Place cabbage rolls in the pot, seam down. Dot with butter, and then pour the remaining sauce over the top. Cover with a few of the extra leaves on the top.
Bake at 375 F, uncovered, until lightly brown on top.
Remove from the oven and baste with the sauce. Then cover, reduce heat to 325 F, and bake for 60-90 minutes.
Carefully remove toothpicks before serving. Spoon some sauce over each cabbage roll and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!

Notes

Here are some tips to help you perfect the art of making delicious cabbage rolls:

Choose a large and firm cabbage with vibrant, tightly packed leaves. The cabbage leaves should be pliable enough for rolling but not too soft.
Experiment with spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, marjoram, or your favorite herbs to add depth and flavor to the meat filling. Remember to add salt and pepper to taste.
Avoid overfilling the cabbage leaves, as this can make rolling challenging and result in the filling spilling out during cooking.
Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will allow the flavors to settle and make them easier to handle when serving.

Nutrition

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