Description
Revel in the heartwarming goodness of Traditional Cabbage Rolls, a cherished recipe passed down through generations in Eastern European households. Each roll is a bundle of joy, featuring tender cabbage enveloped around a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is not just a meal but a comforting embrace on a plate.
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
Instructions
For the Sauce:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large deep skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and oregano. Simmer on medium-low for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For the Rolls:
Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water until tender, about 1 minute. Drain.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 1 cup sauce, uncooked rice, bread crumbs, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a large baking dish.
Cut the hard rib from each cabbage leaf with a paring knife. Place about ⅓ cup of filling at one end of each leaf, roll up, tucking in the sides. Place rolls seam side-down in the baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and cover with foil.
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, until rice and meat are cooked. Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 55 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 5