Description
Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice is a comforting and hearty classic dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory blend of lean ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, onions, and garlic, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This family-friendly recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for meal prepping with delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb lean or extra-lean ground beef
- 1 cup medium grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill (optional)
Cabbage
- 1 large green cabbage
Cooking
- 3 cups tomato sauce (enough to cover the rolls)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off large outer leaves. Blanch the leaves for 2 to 3 minutes until pliable. Drain and let cool to prevent tearing when rolling.
- Cook the rice: Prepare the white rice according to package directions, usually about 15 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the cabbage rolls: Lay each cabbage leaf flat. Place a generous spoonful of the filling near the base. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly like a burrito, ensuring the filling is enclosed completely.
- Cook the rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large skillet or baking dish. Pour tomato sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for 45 minutes until the cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage leaves to ensure easier rolling and less tearing.
- Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Season the filling generously with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Allow the cooked cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- You can either simmer on the stovetop or bake in the oven based on your preference or kitchen setup.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: cabbage rolls, ground beef, rice, comfort food, stuffed cabbage, easy dinner, meal prep
