Description
Enjoy these comforting stuffed cabbage rolls filled with savory meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken (substitutes: turkey or lamb)
- 1 cup cooked rice (use brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or your favorite jarred sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and gently place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the outer leaves begin to soften. Remove the cabbage and let it cool until you can handle it. Peel off about 12-15 soft leaves, as they will become your wraps.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Use your hands to mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
- Take one cabbage leaf at a time and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place about two tablespoons of filling at the base of each leaf, fold up the bottom, fold in the sides, and roll tightly from the bottom to the top.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce, stirring gently.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce. Layer them tightly so they stay together while cooking, then cover with remaining sauce.
- Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add bell peppers or carrots to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg