Description
Warm, hearty, and packed with nostalgic flavor, these Stuffed Cabbages are the perfect blend of savory ground beef, soft rice, and tender cabbage leaves simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Naturally gluten-free and freezer-friendly, this recipe is ideal for cozy meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and boil for 3–5 minutes until leaves soften. Remove 10–12 large leaves and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Combine gently.
- In a bowl, stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar (if using), and vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll up tightly.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour sauce over rolls to mostly cover them.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes until tops are slightly browned and sauce thickens.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- The rolls can be prepared the day before and baked fresh.
- Ensure rolls are well-covered in sauce to prevent drying during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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