Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you simply want a hearty meal. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked long-grain rice (or similar variety)
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (or ‘extra lean’)
- 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and minced
- 1/3 cup parsley, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- For the Sauce:
- 42 ounces tomato sauce, divided (Three 398 milliliter cans or 14 ounce cans, roughly 5 cups)
- 1/2 cup water (leftover from boiling cabbage)
- Fresh dill, chopped (garnish, optional)
- For the Cabbage:
- 1 medium head green cabbage (you’ll need about 18 leaves for the rolls and another 8 to 10 or so for the bottom of the dish and over top.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the head in the boiling water.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Use tongs to gently peel off the outer leaves and set them aside. Continue this process until you have about 18 large leaves. Reserve another 8-10 leaves for lining the dish and covering the rolls.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, egg, minced onion, parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried dill, onion powder, and red chili flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly, starting from the stem end. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the bottom of a large baking dish with some of the reserved cabbage leaves. This helps prevent the rolls from sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Arrange the Rolls:
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish. Layer them snugly to keep them from unrolling during baking.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce and the reserved cabbage cooking water. Pour about half of this mixture over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover the Rolls:
- Use the remaining reserved cabbage leaves to cover the top of the rolls. This helps keep them moist during baking.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Finish the Dish:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully uncover it. Remove and discard the top layer of cabbage leaves. Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the rolls. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped dill, if desired. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and additional vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Additions: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the tomato sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use another type of meat? A: Yes, ground pork, turkey, or a combination of meats can be used.
Q: What kind of rice is best? A: Long-grain rice is traditional, but you can use other varieties like basmati or even brown rice for a different texture.
Q: How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling? A: Make sure to roll the cabbage leaves tightly and place the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
Q: Can I make this dish spicier? A: Yes, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the filling for extra heat.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delightful dish that combines hearty ingredients and rich flavors, perfect for a satisfying meal. This recipe’s blend of seasoned ground beef, rice, and savory tomato sauce wrapped in tender cabbage leaves is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting taste of these homemade cabbage rolls!