Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
1 large head of green cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cabbage leaves.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
Remove the leaves from the water and set aside to cool.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3:
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf.
Roll the leaf up, tucking in the sides, to create a neat package.
Step 4:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine diced tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Bring to a simmer.
Step 5:
Place the stuffed cabbage rolls into the pot and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
Step 6:
Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Serve warm.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yields: 8 | Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll
Calories: 260 calories
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?
While green cabbage is traditionally used for stuffed cabbage rolls, you can experiment with other types such as savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage if you prefer.
Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer.
Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing when rolling?
To prevent tearing, it’s essential to boil the cabbage leaves until they are softened but still pliable.
You can also carefully remove the thick center rib of each leaf to make them easier to roll.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.
Simply cover the pot or baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed.
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
Stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious served on their own as a main dish, but you can also serve them with sides such as mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple salad.
Additionally, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and presentation.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken according to your preference.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While white rice is traditionally used, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or any other type of rice you prefer.
Adjust the cooking time as needed for different types of rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make vegetarian stuffed cabbage rolls by replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute like tofu crumbles.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing when rolling?
To prevent tearing, boil the cabbage leaves until they are softened but still pliable.
You can also carefully remove the thick center rib of each leaf to make them easier to roll.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed cabbage rolls for later consumption.
Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually or store them in an airtight container.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you prefer, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even granulated sugar.
Adjust the amount to taste.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cabbage rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and the meat filling is cooked through.
You can test the tenderness of the cabbage by piercing it with a fork.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes.
Simply chop fresh tomatoes and use them in place of canned tomatoes.
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
Stuffed cabbage rolls can be served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Additionally, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and presentation.