Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

How to Make Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a dish that has been passed down through generations, offering a taste of nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction. This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of beef, rice, and seasonings, all topped off with a rich homemade tomato sauce. The result is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to indulge in a timeless classic.

This dish combines elements of Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisine, with slight variations depending on the region. The cabbage rolls are known for their balance of flavors, with the tenderness of the cabbage complemented by the savory filling, and the rich, tangy tomato sauce elevating the entire dish. If you’ve never tried stuffed cabbage rolls, it’s time to give this recipe a go. Not only is it a great way to get your vegetables in, but it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed for days.

The History of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as holubky in Eastern Europe, sarma in Turkey, or dolma in Greece, have a long and varied history. Each region has its own twist on this humble dish, often based on the local ingredients available. The essential components remain the same: cabbage leaves, stuffing (usually meat, rice, or a combination), and sauce. Whether served as a main course or as part of a festive meal, these cabbage rolls have found their way into kitchens worldwide, with each recipe reflecting the personal touch of the cook.

The Essential Ingredients for Making Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

To make these stuffed cabbage rolls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and how they come together to create a dish that’s hearty and packed with flavor.

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic to bring out their flavor.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic, savory taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the base of the sauce, giving it a smooth, rich texture.
• Tomato Sauce: Complements the crushed tomatoes, giving the sauce a more consistent and thicker texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick to the sauce, which enhances the overall flavor profile.

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• Ground Beef: The beef provides a rich, savory filling for the cabbage rolls. Using lean beef (such as 90% lean ground beef) ensures that the rolls are flavorful without being too greasy.
• Cooked Rice: Rice is a traditional ingredient in stuffed cabbage rolls, providing bulk and texture to the filling.
• Onion: Another finely chopped onion is mixed into the filling, contributing to the savory depth of the dish.
• Garlic: Just like in the sauce, garlic is used to infuse the meat filling with its robust flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings help enhance the flavor of the meat mixture, making the filling well-seasoned and delicious.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness to the filling, while also serving as a garnish later for an extra burst of color and flavor.
• Egg: The egg binds the filling together, ensuring that the mixture holds its shape when rolled up inside the cabbage.
• Cabbage: The cabbage leaves are the main wrapping for the filling. They must be soft and pliable to hold the stuffing securely without breaking.
• Cooking Spray: Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring that the cabbage rolls don’t stick during the baking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Preparing the Tomato Sauce

The tomato sauce is the foundation of this dish, giving the cabbage rolls moisture and a tangy, savory flavor. Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Then, add the freshly minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar, allowing the sugar to dissolve into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the Cabbage Leaves

While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the cabbage leaves. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Immerse the cabbage head in the boiling water and cook it for about 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and pliable. Carefully peel off 12 large leaves, trimming any thick ribs from the center of the leaves to make them easier to roll.

Step 3: Making the Meat Filling

For the filling, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and egg in a large bowl. Add about ½ cup of the homemade tomato sauce to the meat mixture for extra flavor and moisture. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the mixture is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Use a small knife to cut a V-shaped notch along the thick part of the rib to remove the hard center, making it easier to roll. Take about ⅓ cup of the meat filling and shape it into a log. Place the meat mixture in the center of the cabbage leaf, and carefully roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat roll. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Step 5: Baking the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread about half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the baking dish. Once all the cabbage rolls are arranged in the dish, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 60-90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through. The slow baking process allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to absorb the tomato sauce.

Step 6: Serving the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the remaining parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, either as a standalone meal or with a side of bread or potatoes.

Simple Recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients: For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (do not drain)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (divided)
• 1 egg
• 1 head of cabbage
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Make Tomato Sauce: Melt butter in a pot, sauté onion and garlic, add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Boil cabbage for 3-5 minutes, peel 12 large leaves.
3. Make Filling: Combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, egg, and ½ cup tomato sauce.
4. Assemble Rolls: Cut thick ribs from cabbage leaves, fill with ⅓ cup meat mixture, roll up.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F, layer sauce and rolls in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 60-90 minutes until tender.
6. Serve: Sprinkle with remaining parsley and enjoy.

Enjoy these stuffed cabbage rolls as a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal!