Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
A delightful and healthful dish of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a savory meat and rice mixture, topped with tomato sauce, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Cabbage Preparation
- 1 head Large cabbage leaves About 12 leaves
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground meat (beef, turkey, or vegetarian alternative)
- 1 cup Cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Tomato sauce Plus an extra cup for topping
- 1 Egg Helps bind everything
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley) Each
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing
Instructions
Preparation
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for about 2-3 minutes until soft. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Filling Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
- In a bowl, mix the sautéed onions and garlic with ground meat, rice, egg, salt, pepper, and herbs until combined.
Assembly
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat, placing a generous spoonful of filling at the base.
- Fold in the sides and roll upwards to create a secure roll.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down, cover with more sauce, and tightly seal with foil.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Serving
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
- They pair beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes
For leftovers, allow the rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, adding a little water to keep them moist.