Classic Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Cabbage rolls are a comforting, satisfying dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling. Baked in a rich tomato sauce, this classic recipe brings hearty flavors perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces) with juices
- 1 2/3 cup tomato sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75 ounces)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the whole cabbage until the leaves are barely soft but not overly soft, about 3 to 7 minutes depending on size. Remove the cabbage and let it cool, then gently peel off the large, pliable leaves.
- Step 2: Cook the rice according to the package directions and set aside.
- Step 3: Trim the thick vein from each cabbage leaf by cutting a small V shape from the center of the stem end to make rolling easier.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried dill. Brown the meat mixture for about 8 to 10 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Step 5: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, and beaten egg into the meat mixture. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Combine the remaining tomato sauce and condensed tomato soup in a bowl. Spread a thin layer of this mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 7: Lay each cabbage leaf flat, spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the filling into the center, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Place each roll seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all filling is used.
- Step 8: Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Step 9: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 75 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Step 10: Let the cabbage rolls rest about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 11: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting classic.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the filling for extra flavor.
- If cabbage leaves are hard to roll, blanch a bit longer to soften them more.
- Use leftover cooked rice to save time and reduce prep.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for richness.
Storage
Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake on the day you plan to serve.
What can I substitute for condensed tomato soup?
You can use an equal amount of tomato sauce mixed with a bit of tomato paste and a small amount of cream or milk to mimic the creaminess of the soup.
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Classic Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and comforting cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, rice, onions, and garlic, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional recipe delivers tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces) with juices
- 1 2/3 cup tomato sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75 ounces)
Instructions
- Boil Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the whole cabbage until the leaves are barely soft but not overly soft, about 3-7 minutes depending on cabbage size. Remove and let it cool before peeling off the large, pliable leaves.
- Cook Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package directions until fully cooked.
- Trim Leaves: Trim the thick vein of each cabbage leaf by cutting a small V shape from the center of the stem end to make rolling easier.
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and dried dill. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Filling: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, and 1/4 cup of tomato sauce into the meat mixture. Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce with the condensed tomato soup. Spread a thin layer of this sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Roll Cabbage: Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the meat filling in the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Place each roll seam-side down in the prepared pan. Repeat with all leaves and filling.
- Bake Rolls: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 75 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
- Rest Rolls: Remove from oven and let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Soaking the whole cabbage in boiling water makes the leaves pliable and easier to roll.
- Trimming the thick vein from leaves helps prevent tearing when rolling the filling.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess grease.
- If desired, substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for variation.
- Leftovers keep well and taste great reheated.
- For spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, baked cabbage, ground beef recipes, comfort food, tomato sauce cabbage rolls
