Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

 

Classic Cabbage Rolls

These classic cabbage rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked long-grain rice (or similar variety)
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (or ‘extra lean’)
• 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and minced
• ⅓ cup parsley, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 42 ounces tomato sauce, divided (three 14-ounce cans, roughly 5 cups)
• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 18 leaves for rolls and another 8-10 leaves for the bottom and top of the dish)
• ½ cup water (leftover from boiling cabbage)
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cooked rice, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, dill, onion powder, red chili flakes (if using), and ½ cup of tomato sauce. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage

1. In a large pot of boiling water, add the head of cabbage and boil for 8 to 10 minutes, turning it over halfway through. Carefully remove the cabbage and set aside, but do not discard the water.
2. Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, carefully remove the leaves and cut out the core from each leaf. If needed, re-boil the cabbage to soften more leaves. Continue this process until you have about 18 leaves.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Place some cabbage leaves on the bottom of a deep 9″ x 13″ baking dish or roasting pan.
2. Taking one leaf at a time, place about ¼ cup of the ground beef mixture on top of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up, then place it in the prepared dish, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining ground beef mixture and cabbage leaves.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce with ½ cup of the cabbage water. Whisk to incorporate.
2. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls.
3. Optional: Stir in about a tablespoon of white or brown sugar into the tomato sauce if you prefer a less tangy flavor.

Step 6: Bake

1. Top the rolls with additional cabbage leaves.
2. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for about 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once done, carefully remove the foil (beware of steam) and discard the top cabbage leaves.
2. Allow the cabbage rolls to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.

Enjoy!

These delicious and hearty cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!