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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

A comforting and hearty dish, stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for family dinners and meal prep. Packed with flavor and easily customizable!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head cabbage Green cabbage works best!
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup cooked rice Leftover rice works well!
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce Can be homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Optional, but adds great flavor!

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel the cabbage leaves from the head, trying to keep them intact.
  • Drop the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until they soften. Remove and let cool.

Make the Filling

  • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Rolls

  • Lay a cabbage leaf flat and spoon about 1/4 cup of filling at the base of the leaf.
  • Fold in the sides and roll it up from the base to the tip, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat until all filling is used.

Prepare the Sauce

  • In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
  • Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Bake

  • Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.

Notes

Feel free to use Swiss chard or collard greens in place of cabbage. Personalize the filling by adding spices like hot sauce or Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. You can double the sauce if you prefer a saucier dish.
Keyword Cabbage, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Meal Prep, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls