Best Traditional Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This recipe for Traditional Cabbage Rolls is a family favorite, combining tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful filling and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 15 cabbage leaves
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/4 c. uncooked white rice
• 1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

For the Sauce:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the Onion: In a large deep skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the Rolls:

1. Blanch Cabbage Leaves: Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water until tender, about 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 cup of the prepared sauce, uncooked rice, bread crumbs, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cut Cabbage Ribs: Using a paring knife, cut the hard rib from each cabbage leaf.
4. Fill and Roll: Place about ⅓ cup of filling at one end of each leaf. Roll up, tucking in the sides as you go.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of sauce in a large baking dish. Place the rolls seam side-down in the dish. Top with the remaining sauce and cover with foil.
6. Bake: Bake the cabbage rolls for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the rice and meat are cooked through.
7. Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 55 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Calories: 436 kcal per serving
• Servings: 5

Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender cabbage and savory filling with a rich tomato sauce makes these cabbage rolls a favorite in many households. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a complete meal.

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