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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of rice and ground meat. This classic dish is often topped with a rich tomato sauce, making it a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Eastern European
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 baking dish
  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cabbage About 2 pounds.
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 pound ground beef Or ground turkey.
  • 1 large onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Chopped, optional.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Optional.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Optional.

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender. Gently peel off the softened leaves and set them aside to cool.
  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the rice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix well to combine.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
  • In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the rolls, and sprinkle with dried thyme if desired.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with a little lemon juice for added flavor if desired.

Notes

You can customize the filling by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.