This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is cabbage leaves filled with beef and rice, coated in a homemade tomato sauce and baked to perfection. A comfort food classic that’s hearty, delicious and simple to make.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE
▢2 tablespoons butter
▢1/2 cup onion finely chopped
▢1 teaspoon garlic minced
▢28 ounce can crushed tomatoes do not drain
▢15 ounce can tomato sauce
▢salt and pepper to taste
▢2 tablespoons brown sugar
▢1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
FOR THE CABBAGE ROLLS
▢1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
▢1 cup cooked rice
▢1/2 cup onion finely chopped
▢1 teaspoon garlic minced
▢1 teaspoon salt
▢1/2 teaspoon pepper
▢1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped, divided use
▢1 egg
▢1 head cabbage
▢cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS
For the tomato sauce: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt and pepper to the pot.
Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, assemble the cabbage rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Immerse the cabbage head in the boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until cabbage leaves are pliable. Peel 12 large leaves off the cabbage.
Place the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of parsley and egg in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce to the bowl. Stir to combine.
Lay each cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Use a small knife to cut a V-shaped notch to remove the thick part of the cabbage rib.
Shape 1/3 of a cup of the meat mixture into a log shape and place in the center of a cabbage leaf. Roll the cabbage leaf around the meat mixture. Repeat with remaining meat and cabbage leaves.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a 9″x13″ pan with cooking spray. Place 1/2 of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the dish. Top with remaining sauce.
Cover with foil. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.
Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley, then serve.