Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Boil for about 5-8 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable and easy to remove.
- Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off 12-14 large leaves, setting them aside. If the inner leaves are still too stiff, return the cabbage to the boiling water for a few more minutes.
2. Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, basil, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf tightly, starting from the base. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well.
6. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. Serve:
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the baking dish and transfer to serving plates. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy these delicious and comforting stuffed cabbage rolls!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Calories: 350 kcal per serving (approximate)
Servings: 6-8 servings