Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and comforting dish filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic recipe is perfect for family dinners and can be easily customized with additional herbs or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cabbage. Boil the cabbage for about 5 minutes until the leaves are softened. Remove the cabbage and set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
4. Carefully peel off cabbage leaves, cutting out the thick stem from each leaf if needed. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll it up, folding in the sides as you go.
5. Arrange the cabbage rolls tightly in a baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Pour the tomato mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
8. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils, quinoa, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative.
• Add More Vegetables: Include diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms in the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for a bit of heat.
• Different Sauces: Experiment with using crushed tomatoes or adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cabbage rolls freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual rolls until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef if preferred.
2. Can I prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What can I use instead of rice?
   You can use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
4. Can I use frozen cabbage?
   Fresh cabbage is ideal for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen cabbage, make sure to thaw it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture.
5. Can I add cheese to the filling?
   Yes, adding a little shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the filling gives it a creamy, cheesy texture.
6. How do I avoid the cabbage leaves tearing when rolling?
   Ensure the cabbage leaves are softened enough by boiling, and cut the thick stem out of each leaf before rolling.
7. Can I cook these in a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can cook the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, adding the tomato sauce and tomatoes before cooking.
8. What type of rice should I use?
   You can use any type of rice, but long-grain white rice works best for its texture in the filling.
9. Can I make these without tomato sauce?
   If you prefer, you can use beef broth or vegetable broth instead of tomato sauce for a different flavor base.
10. How can I make these spicier?
    You can add red pepper flakes, chopped chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a spicier dish.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious and hearty meal that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. With tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, and topped with a rich tomato sauce, this dish makes a comforting dinner option for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or making it ahead for meal prep, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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