Beef And Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Beef and rice stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and classic dish that brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and herbs. Baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, these rolls are a perfect blend of rich and hearty flavors. This recipe is ideal for family gatherings or when you want to prepare a meal that can be enjoyed as leftovers. Each bite offers a taste of nostalgia, reminding us of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage and allow it to cool. Gently peel off the leaves, setting them aside.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Lay out one cabbage leaf at a time and place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up, starting from the thick end. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, and water.
5. Cook the Rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned.
   • Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the rolls, making sure they are fully covered.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these hearty rolls with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.