Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Classic Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, all baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. This timeless recipe delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, making it a beloved meal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Core the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Stuff the Leaves: Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly to enclose the stuffing securely.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in a single layer, packing them snugly.
- Cover with Sauce: Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixed with water or broth evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, spooning some sauce over the top.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onion and garlic before adding them to the filling.
- Using a combination of beef and pork in the filling can add extra juiciness and depth of flavor.
- If you prefer softer rolls, increase the baking time slightly and keep them covered to retain moisture.
- Stuffed cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated or frozen; bake when ready.
- Serve with sour cream or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, classic recipe, baked cabbage rolls
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