🥬🍖 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice

 

🥬🍖 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice

Stuffed cabbage rolls are one of those classic comfort foods that have been loved across many cultures for generations. This dish brings together tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and rice, all slowly cooked in a rich and savory tomato sauce. The result is a warm, satisfying meal that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time.

What makes stuffed cabbage rolls truly special is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cabbage becomes soft and slightly sweet as it cooks, while the beef and rice filling turns juicy, hearty, and packed with delicious spices. The tomato sauce adds a rich and tangy finish that blends beautifully with the filling, creating a comforting dish that tastes even better the next day.

Although this recipe looks impressive, it is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a little patience while wrapping the rolls, you can create a dish that is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. These cabbage rolls are filling, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. They can also be customized with different herbs, spices, or even alternative fillings depending on your taste preferences.

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🥩 Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large cabbage head
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
3. Place the whole cabbage into boiling water and cook for 3–5 minutes until the leaves soften.
4. Remove and gently separate the leaves. Set aside to cool.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

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Step 3: Form the Rolls

1. Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
2. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the center of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly like a wrap.
4. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

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Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, broth, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until smooth.

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Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

1. Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of a large skillet or baking dish.
2. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
4. Cover with a lid or foil.
5. Cook in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 60–75 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
• Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
• Add a spoon of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

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