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Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice

Close-up of two savory cabbage rolls topped with tomato sauce, one cut open showing the ground meat and rice filling.
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Make this classic stuffed cabbage rolls recipe for a comforting dinner full of flavor. Tender cabbage leaves wrap a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and spices, then bake in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is ideal for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Remove the core from the cabbage head. Place the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Boil until outer leaves are tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove leaves as they soften, letting them cool. Trim the thick center vein from each leaf.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. In a bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the leaf tightly toward the tip. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  5. In a large baking dish, mix the crushed tomatoes, water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the sauce.
  6. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish over the sauce. Pour any remaining sauce over the rolls.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes if you prefer a slightly reduced sauce.

Notes

  • To easily remove the core, cut a cone shape out of the bottom center of the cabbage head before boiling.
  • You can substitute ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for the ground beef.
  • For a quicker preparation, try making unstuffed cabbage rolls by layering the ingredients in the baking dish instead of rolling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/cabbage-rolls-classic-stuffed-ground-beef-rice/