Welcome to the world of comfort food classics! Today, we are going to dive into a delightful recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. These cabbage leaves are filled with a flavorful mixture of beef and rice, coated in a homemade tomato sauce, and baked to perfection.
FOR THE DELECTABLE TOMATO SAUCE
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
FOR THE MOUTHWATERING CABBAGE ROLLS
- 1 pound of ground beef (I recommend 90% lean)
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley leaves (divided)
- 1 egg
- 1 head of cabbage
- Cooking spray
Let’s start by creating a luscious tomato sauce! In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes wonderfully translucent, which usually takes around 4-5 minutes. Once that is done, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Now, it’s time to introduce the star of our sauce – the crushed tomatoes! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste buds’ desires. Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar for a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, making sure to give it a stir every now and then.
While the sauce brings its flavors together, let’s move on to assembling the cabbage rolls. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water reaches a boiling point, carefully place the entire head of cabbage into the pot. Let it cook for approximately 3-5 minutes or until the cabbage leaves become tender and pliable. Then, gently peel off 12 large leaves from the cabbage.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and the egg. To add an extra layer of deliciousness, pour in 1/2 cup of the homemade tomato sauce we prepared earlier. Give all the ingredients a good stir until they are well combined and the flavors meld together.
Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a surface, and using a small knife, remove the thick part of the cabbage rib by carefully cutting a V-shaped notch. This step ensures that each bite of the cabbage rolls is tender and bursting with flavor. Take 1/3 cup of the meat mixture and shape it into a log shape. Place the meat mixture in the center of a cabbage leaf and roll it up, making sure the filling is nicely wrapped inside. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and cabbage leaves are used.
Now, let’s preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Pour half of the remaining tomato sauce into the bottom of the dish and spread it evenly. Next, place the cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down, and cover them with the remaining sauce. Seal the baking dish with foil and let it bake in the oven for 60-90 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender and the meat is perfectly cooked.
Once the kitchen is filled with the tantalizing aroma and the cabbage rolls are cooked to perfection, it’s time for the finishing touch. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the rolls, adding a vibrant pop of color and an invigorating freshness. Serve with love and enjoy every delightful bite!
So, grab your apron and prepare to create a comforting dish that is both hearty and easy to make. These stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
