Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

 

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved classic in many cultures, offering a perfect balance of hearty flavors and comforting textures. This old-fashioned recipe combines tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, these cabbage rolls are both delicious and satisfying.

Preparation Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water for about 3–5 minutes, or until the outer leaves become soft and pliable.
2. Remove the cabbage from the pot and peel off the softened leaves. Repeat the process until you have about 12–14 large leaves. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center.
2. Fold in the sides and roll the leaf tightly, like a burrito, ensuring the filling is well enclosed.
3. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
2. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour a small amount of tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

 

Old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and tradition to the dinner table. The tender cabbage envelops a savory and flavorful filling, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a dish that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these cabbage rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!