Description
This Ultimate Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic seasonings, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it combines traditional flavors with easy preparation for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage leaves
- 1 lb of ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole head of cabbage and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the leaves become tender and pliable. Carefully peel off the leaves one by one, setting them aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground meat of your choice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned, ensuring you break it apart with a spatula. Stir in the cooked rice and Italian seasoning, mixing everything well.
- Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture towards the stem end. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, securing it as you go. Repeat this process until all leaves and filling are used.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the tomato sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, covering the rolls completely.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes for a slightly caramelized top.
- Serve and Enjoy! Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to elevate the dish both visually and in flavor.
Notes
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor if desired.
- Cook rice ahead of time to speed up preparation.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Make sure to not overboil the cabbage to keep the leaves intact and pliable for rolling.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream for additional creaminess, if preferred.
