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
