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Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Savory Beef and Rice Filling

Close-up of two cabbage rolls cut in half, revealing the savory meat filling, served in rich tomato sauce.
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Make tender, traditional stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground beef and rice, then simmer them in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This recipe delivers comforting, homemade goodness perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage head one by one. Place the leaves in the boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes until they are pliable. Remove the leaves and place them on a plate to cool. Trim the thick center vein from each leaf.
  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Roll the cabbage: Place about 1/4 cup of the filling near the base of a softened cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inward over the filling, then roll the leaf tightly toward the tip. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
  4. Prepare the sauce: In a large Dutch oven or deep oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and dried dill. Stir well to combine.
  5. Arrange and cook: Place the rolled cabbage rolls seam-side down snugly in the pot over the tomato sauce. You may need to layer them. The sauce should cover most of the rolls.
  6. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the pot tightly, then transfer it to a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the meat is cooked through.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the sauce. Spoon the rich tomato sauce over the top before serving. This is a great make ahead dinner.

Notes

  • To easily remove the core before boiling, cut a cone shape out of the bottom of the whole cabbage head.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, you can bake these rolls at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/cabbage-rolls-best-recipe-comfort-food-dinner/