Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe – Page 2

Instructions for Making Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and gently place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Peel off the outer leaves and set them aside. Repeat with the remaining leaves until you have about 12-16 good-sized leaves.

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix until well combined.

Fill the Leaves: Take one cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll it up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Layer and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired!

To prepare these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, you will need:

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them with the sauce to keep them moist.
Freezing: These rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even different grains like quinoa or couscous.

Stuffed cabbage rolls can be served on their own or paired with various sides:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Salad: A light garden salad or a simple coleslaw complements the rich flavors of the rolls nicely.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory sauce.