Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful meat and rice mixture, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe will guide you through each step to create a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 medium head cabbage
- 1/2 pound (225 g) uncooked ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225 g) uncooked ground pork
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (100 g) uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Remaining tomato sauce from the cabbage rolls ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Cabbage
Boil the Cabbage:
- Core the cabbage: Start by cutting out the core from the head of the cabbage.
- Boil the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the cabbage in the boiling water. Cook until the outer leaves start to pull away easily from the head, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the leaves: Remove the cabbage from the water and set aside 12 large leaves for the rolls. Cut out the thick vein from the bottom of each leaf, creating a V-shaped cut. This will make the leaves easier to roll.
2. Making the Filling
Combine the Ingredients:
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 1 small finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice, 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or dill weed, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Assembling the Rolls
Fill the Leaves:
- Add the filling: Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf.
- Roll the leaves: Overlap the cut ends of the leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up from the cut end, creating a tight and secure roll to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
4. Cooking the Rolls
Prepare the Dutch Oven:
- Line the Dutch oven: Slice the remaining cabbage and place it in the bottom of a Dutch oven. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and add extra flavor to the dish.
- Arrange the rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down over the sliced cabbage.
Make the Sauce:
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and the remaining tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the tomato mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
- Cook in the oven: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1-1/2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the filling is cooked through.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot: Stuffed cabbage rolls are best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair them with a side of mashed potatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Garnish: For an authentic touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped dill or parsley over the top before serving.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Choose Fresh Cabbage: Fresh, firm cabbage heads are easier to work with and provide better flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasonings in the meat mixture. Proper seasoning ensures the filling is flavorful and complements the cabbage and tomato sauce.
- Cook the Cabbage Properly: Boiling the cabbage just enough to make the leaves pliable without overcooking them is key to easy rolling and perfect texture.
- Use a Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven provides even heat distribution, ensuring the cabbage rolls cook uniformly and stay moist.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
Conclusion
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and satisfying dish that’s full of rich flavors. The combination of tender cabbage leaves and a flavorful meat filling, all simmered in a savory tomato sauce, makes this a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making these delicious rolls and the joy of sharing them with loved ones!