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Comforting Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Easy Homemade Savory Filling

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A cozy and comforting recipe featuring ground meat, rice, and spices wrapped in tender cabbage leaves simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family meals and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head green cabbage, leaves separated and blanched
  • 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
  • 3/4 cup uncooked white rice (short or medium grain), rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves and blanch them for about 2 minutes until pliable but not falling apart. Drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
  2. Rinse 3/4 cup rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions but slightly undercook (about 10-12 minutes) so it remains firm inside the filling.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten egg, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Lay one cabbage leaf flat, trim the thick vein at the base if needed. Place about 2 tablespoons (30 g) of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly but gently. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  6. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce with tomato paste and 1 cup water or broth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  7. Lightly oil the bottom of a large baking dish or deep skillet. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the rolls.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or simmer gently on the stovetop over low heat for 45-60 minutes until cabbage is tender and filling cooked through.
  9. Let the rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to settle.

Notes

Blanch cabbage leaves to prevent tearing and make rolling easier. Do not overfill rolls to avoid bursting. Under-cook rice slightly so it absorbs moisture during cooking without becoming mushy. Cover tightly during cooking to trap steam and keep rolls moist. Let rolls rest after cooking for better texture. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, homemade cabbage rolls, savory filling, tomato sauce, family meal

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