Classic Stuffed Cabbage is a warm and hearty dish that features tender cabbage leaves filled with a tasty mix of ground meat, rice, and spices. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate!
I love how the sauce bubbles up around the rolls as they cook. It adds extra flavor, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that looks like it came from grandma’s kitchen? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: A large head of green cabbage is perfect for wrapping. If you can’t find green cabbage, savoy cabbage works too; it’s tender and easy to roll. For a lower-carb option, you could also use collard greens.
Ground Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but a mix of ground beef and pork adds extra flavor. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well too. You can use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Rice: White or brown rice is fine for this recipe. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier or low-carb alternative. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the filling.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce is quick and easy, but crushed tomatoes give a chunkier texture. If you like a bit of spice, you can use a spicy marinara sauce. For a twist, consider adding in some diced green peppers to the sauce.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Rolled Cabbage Leaves?
Rolling cabbage leaves can be tricky, but here’s how to do it easily! First, make sure to blanch the leaves; this softens them and helps with flexibility. Once they cool, here’s a simple process:
- Trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf to make it easier to roll.
- Put the filling at the bottom, fold in the sides, and roll tightly up towards the tip.
- Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; just tuck in any loose ends as you roll!
Practice makes it easier, and soon you’ll have a beautiful batch of stuffed cabbage rolls!
Classic Stuffed Cabbage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (optional, adds a little tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for preparation and 1 to 1.5 hours for cooking. All in all, you can expect around 2 hours from start to finish, including cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Carefully core the cabbage and separate the leaves. Blanch each leaf in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and pliable. This will make them easier to roll. Once blanched, drain the leaves and set them aside to cool a bit.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or your choice of meat), cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme if you’re using it. Mix all ingredients together until everything is well combined.
3. Form the Rolls:
Take a cabbage leaf and lay it flat. If the central vein is thick, trim it to make rolling easier. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf in towards the center, then roll it up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat this for all the leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, broth, olive oil, brown sugar (if using), and lemon juice or vinegar. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Cook the Stuffed Cabbage:
In a large pot or deep skillet, place the rolls seam side down in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you prefer, you can also bake them in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully transfer the cabbage rolls to plates. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top and garnish with extra chopped parsley. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or warm, crusty bread. Dive in and enjoy your comforting classic stuffed cabbage!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked or Leftover Rice for the Filling?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked or leftover rice works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too wet, or it may make the filling soggy.
How Do I Freeze Leftover Stuffed Cabbage?
To freeze stuffed cabbage, let it cool completely, then place the rolls in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Tomato Sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or even a tomato-based pasta sauce can work as a great substitute. You can also make your own sauce by blending canned tomatoes with herbs and spices.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can use lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute like plant-based ground meat for the filling. Just be sure to check that any additional ingredients you use fit your dietary preferences!