Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for family dinners. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is simple to follow and can be scaled up for larger gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls (1x Recipe):
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1½ cups cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 head of cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
- Cooking spray, as needed
For the Tomato Sauce:
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 28 ounces canned fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully peel away the leaves. Submerge the leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Remove and let them cool slightly, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked white rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Stuff the Cabbage Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture in the center of the leaf, fold the sides over the filling, and roll tightly from the stem end, tucking in the sides as you roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juice), red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray. Pour a layer of tomato sauce into the bottom of the dish.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, into the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Cooking Notes:
- Cabbage Tip: If the cabbage leaves tear while peeling, you can layer two smaller pieces together when stuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Ground Meat: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or a mixture of meats for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the cabbage rolls and sauce a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then bake them when ready.
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, quinoa, or a mixture of finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
2. Spicy Cabbage Rolls
Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the filling for a spicier version. You can also increase the crushed red pepper in the tomato sauce for extra heat.
3. Cheesy Cabbage Rolls
For a cheesy twist, add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the filling mixture. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the rolls before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
A: Yes, stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use other types of cabbage?
A: Yes! While green cabbage is most commonly used, you can also use savoy cabbage or even napa cabbage for a slightly different texture.
Q: How can I make the filling more flavorful?
A: You can add other herbs and spices like smoked paprika, thyme, or oregano to the filling. You could also add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture for an extra boost of umami.
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage leaves all simmered in a rich tomato sauce makes for an irresistible meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of these classic stuffed cabbage rolls!
