Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Description
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground meats and rice. Simmered in a tomato-based sauce, they are savory, tangy, and packed with protein and veggies. This dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or any time you’re craving something warming and filling.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage (about 3 pounds)
- 1/2 pound uncooked ground beef
- 1/2 pound uncooked ground pork
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage:
- Blanch the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and gently peel off 12-14 leaves, being careful not to tear them. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they become pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Trim the thick veins from the center of each cabbage leaf using a sharp knife to make the leaves easier to roll.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, parsley flakes, salt, fresh dill, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Take each cabbage leaf and place it on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each leaf.
- Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf, then roll it up tightly to encase the filling, creating a neat roll. Repeat this process with all the cabbage leaves and filling.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, pour half of the tomato sauce (about 7-8 ounces) and spread it across the bottom of the pan.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet, stacking them neatly.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, then sprinkle the sugar over the sauce.
- Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 45-60 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure the rolls are tender and the rice is cooked through. The cabbage should be soft and the sauce should have thickened slightly.
Serve:
- Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through, remove them from the pan. Serve the rolls with the tomato sauce poured over them.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
Note: The following values are approximate and will depend on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 250–300 kcal
- Protein: 20–25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 grams
- Fiber: 3–5 grams
- Fat: 15–20 grams
- Sodium: 600–800 mg
- Cholesterol: 60–75 mg
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: The combination of ground beef and pork provides a rich source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- Packed with Vegetables: Cabbage is a great source of vitamins C and K, along with fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Rice for Energy: Long-grain rice provides a healthy carbohydrate source, supplying energy to fuel your day.
- Tomato-based Sauce: Tomatoes offer a dose of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is good for heart health and may reduce inflammation.
Notes & Tips
- Freezing Tip: Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze very well. To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of extra tomato sauce.
- Rice Variation: You can substitute long-grain rice with other grains like quinoa or brown rice for a different flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can use cooked rice.
- Adding More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Option: If you enjoy heat, add more cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a combination of rice, vegetables, and lentils as a filling for a meatless version of cabbage rolls.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for the ground beef and pork. The flavors will vary slightly, but they will still taste delicious!
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving, and the flavors will continue to meld and improve.
Q: Can I skip the sugar in the tomato sauce? A: Yes, the sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can omit it or substitute it with a pinch of baking soda if you prefer a less sweet taste.
Q: What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls? A: Serve them with mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra richness.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your rice and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. Double-check any canned goods or seasoning blends for hidden gluten.
Enjoy making and eating these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls—they’re a perfect blend of hearty and wholesome! 😊