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Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice

Close-up of six homemade cabbage rolls simmering in a rich, bright red tomato sauce in a white baking dish.
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Make traditional stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground beef and rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe yields a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Remove the core from the cabbage head. Place the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes until outer leaves are pliable. Remove leaves one by one, trimming the thick center vein from each leaf. Set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then roll the leaf tightly away from you to enclose the filling.
  6. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir to mix.
  7. Arrange the rolled cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer over the sauce mixture. If necessary, layer them in a second layer.
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer on the stovetop. Cover the pot tightly.
  9. Transfer the pot to a 350°F oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Notes

  • You can prepare the rolls a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator before baking.
  • For an easier alternative, try making unstuffed cabbage rolls by layering the sauce, cooked rice, and meat mixture in a casserole dish.
  • Use savoy cabbage if you prefer a more tender leaf that requires less boiling time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/classic-cabbage-rolls-recipe-beef-rice/