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Classic Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

Close-up of several homemade cabbage rolls simmering in a rich tomato sauce in a black pot.
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Make comforting, traditional stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground beef and rice, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe delivers hearty flavor perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage: Core the cabbage head. Place the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable. Carefully remove the head and let it cool enough to handle. Separate 10 to 12 large leaves, trimming the thick center vein from each leaf so it rolls easily.
  2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Roll the cabbage: Place about 1/3 cup of the filling mixture near the base of a cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly away from you, creating a neat package. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  4. Make the sauce: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
  5. Arrange the rolls: Place the rolled cabbage rolls seam-side down snugly in the pot over the sauce. You may need to layer them in two rows. Pour any remaining sauce mixture over the top of the rolls.
  6. Bake: Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the meat is cooked through.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the cabbage rolls and serve hot with extra sauce spooned over them.

Notes

  • You can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a richer flavor in your ground beef and rice rolls.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, you can make unstuffed cabbage rolls by layering the filling and shredded cabbage in a casserole dish and topping with the sauce, then baking.
  • These homemade cabbage rolls freeze well after cooking; cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bringdish.com/cabbage-rolls-classic-homemade-stuffed-recipe/