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Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice

Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice
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Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice is a comforting classic dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, and fresh herbs, all baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This hearty, family-friendly recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that satisfy every palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large head of green cabbage (firm with large, pliable leaves)
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium-fat)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Carefully core the cabbage and gently separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until pliable, then drain and pat dry so they’re easy to roll without tearing.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Roll the Cabbage: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a generous spoonful of the meat and rice mixture near the base. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom upward to create a neat parcel. Repeat until all filling is used.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté the extra diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer gently over low heat to develop the flavors.
  5. Bake the Cabbage Rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, until the filling is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

Notes

  • Blanch Carefully: Avoid overcooking cabbage leaves; soften just enough to prevent tearing during rolling.
  • Use Day-Old Rice: Slightly dried rice packs better into the filling without becoming mushy.
  • Don’t Skip the Egg: It is essential to bind the filling so it stays intact inside the cabbage rolls.
  • Simmer Sauce Low and Slow: Doing so deepens tomato flavors and prevents a watery sauce.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let rolls cool slightly after baking to set juices and make slicing easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, ground beef recipe, comfort food, baked cabbage rolls, traditional cabbage rolls, gluten free dinner, family meal, tomato sauce, hearty meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/cabbage-rolls-with-ground-beef-and-rice/