If you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked meal, these stuffed cabbage rolls are the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, and rice, all cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Whether you’re new to making cabbage rolls or looking to perfect your technique, this step-by-step guide will lead you through the process.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cabbage (approximately 3 pounds)
- 1/2 pound uncooked ground beef
- 1/2 pound uncooked ground pork
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Begin by carefully removing the core from the cabbage. This makes it easier to separate the leaves without tearing them.
- Submerge the cabbage head in a large pot of boiling water. Cook until the outer leaves begin to pull away easily from the head. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes per layer.
- Once the leaves are pliable, carefully remove them with tongs and set aside 12 large leaves for the rolls.
- Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, parsley flakes, salt, dill, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- For each reserved cabbage leaf, cut out the thick vein at the bottom, making a V-shaped cut. This will make rolling easier and prevent the rolls from being too bulky.
- Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture on the bottom of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then start rolling from the bottom up, just like you would a burrito. Ensure the roll is tight and secure.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thinly slice the remaining cabbage and place it at the bottom of a Dutch oven or large baking dish.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down over the sliced cabbage. This will help keep them intact during cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, remaining tomato sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Bake:
- Cover the Dutch oven or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Once done, carefully remove the rolls from the pot. Serve hot, spooning some of the sauce from the bottom of the dish over the top.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Rice: Using uncooked rice is traditional, as it will cook and absorb the flavors from the meat and sauce. However, if you prefer, you can use cooked rice to speed up the cooking process slightly.
- Meat Mixture: Feel free to experiment with the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version or add some ground lamb for a richer flavor.
- Sauce Variation: For a tangier sauce, add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the tomato mixture before pouring it over the rolls.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the sauce and bake as directed.
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls? Stuffed cabbage rolls are hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls? Absolutely. Assemble the rolls and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual.
What’s the best way to reheat stuffed cabbage rolls? Reheat the rolls in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes, Savoy cabbage is a good alternative, as its leaves are more tender and easier to roll.
How do I keep the rolls from falling apart? Rolling the cabbage tightly and placing the rolls seam side down in the pot will help keep them intact during cooking.
These stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a family favorite, offering comfort and flavor with every bite. Enjoy!