Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 🥬🍅✨
A true comfort food classic! These Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are filled with juicy beef and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal just like grandma used to make!
Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
1 large head of green cabbage
1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
½ lb ground pork (optional for extra richness)
1 cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup water or beef broth
Instructions:
Prepare the Cabbage:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Carefully peel off 10-12 large cabbage leaves from the head. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
Make the Filling:
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly incorporated.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and water or beef broth. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
6. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
7. In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
8. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, covering them completely.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
9. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
10. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
Serve:
11. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete comfort food meal.
⏲️ Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 6-8