Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Introduction

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food that might seem like a relic of the past, but for those who appreciate hearty, home-cooked meals, they remain a beloved dish. These cabbage rolls, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, are baked in a rich tomato sauce that makes them tender and delicious. Whether you’re reminiscing about family dinners or looking to try something new, these stuffed cabbage rolls are worth bringing back to your dinner table.

What You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

  • Large Pot: For boiling the cabbage.
  • Large Skillet: To cook the beef mixture.
  • Baking Dish: To bake the cabbage rolls in the oven.
  • Sharp Knife: For coring the cabbage and dicing the onion.
  • Foil: To cover the baking dish while cooking.

Key Ingredients

  • Cabbage: The star of the dish, providing the wrapping for the savory filling.
  • Ground Beef: Adds richness and protein to the filling.
  • Cooked White Rice: Helps bind the filling together and adds texture.
  • Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Create a flavorful sauce that keeps the rolls moist as they bake.
  • Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that enhance the overall flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth to the tomato sauce, making it more robust.

Ingredient Preparation

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves

  1. Core the Cabbage: Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the core from the cabbage. This will make it easier to peel off the leaves.
  2. Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the whole cabbage in the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves start to soften.
  3. Peel the Leaves: Remove the cabbage from the water and carefully peel off the softened leaves. Set them aside to cool.

Making the Filling

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked.
  2. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Mix in the Rice and Seasonings: Add the cooked rice, ½ cup of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.

Instructions

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Fill the Cabbage Leaves: Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly.
  2. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolled cabbage leaves seam-side down in a baking dish, ensuring they are snugly packed together.

Preparing the Sauce and Baking

  1. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the remaining tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. This sauce will keep the cabbage rolls moist and flavorful as they bake.
  2. Pour Over the Cabbage Rolls: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls, making sure they are well-covered.
  3. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
  4. Finish Baking: After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Serving and Storage

Serving

  1. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the stuffed cabbage rolls with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve them hot, straight from the oven, with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple salad to complete the meal.

Storage

  1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: Reheat the cabbage rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a nostalgic dish that continues to delight those who appreciate traditional, hearty meals. While they may seem like a labor of love, the result is worth every effort. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory meat filling, and rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’ve grown up with stuffed cabbage rolls or are trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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