Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and delicious dish that combines seasoned ground beef and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Cooked White Rice
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 large head of Cabbage
• 3 cloves Minced Garlic
• 2 Eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Minced Fresh Parsley
• Cooking Spray, as needed

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) Tomato Sauce
• 3 cloves Minced Garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) Fire-Roasted Tomatoes and their Juice
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the head of cabbage in the boiling water. Let it boil for a few minutes until the outer leaves start to soften and peel away easily. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool. Continue until you have 12-15 large cabbage leaves.
2. Trim the Leaves: Using a knife, trim the thick center vein from the bottom of each cabbage leaf to make it easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t done so already, cook 1 cup of white rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, cumin, minced garlic, eggs, salt, black pepper, and minced parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the roll seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed red pepper (if using), red wine vinegar, brown sugar, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish, making sure all the rolls are covered with sauce.
3. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional minced fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve: Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each roll.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

• Cabbage Leaves: If the leaves are not pliable enough after boiling, you can microwave them for a minute or two to soften them further.
• Filling Consistency: Make sure the filling is well-mixed and holds together when shaped into a roll.
• Tomato Sauce: Adjust the seasoning of the tomato sauce to your taste. You can add more crushed red pepper for heat or more brown sugar for sweetness.
• Cooking Time: Ensure the cabbage rolls are cooked through by checking the internal temperature. The beef should be at least 160°F (71°C).

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and additional rice or quinoa for a vegetarian version.
• Different Meats: Use a combination of ground beef, pork, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika, nutmeg, or coriander to add unique flavors to the filling.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With a savory beef and rice filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors, and don’t forget to share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!