Print

Comforting Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice

comforting cabbage rolls with beef and rice - featured image
Print Recipe

These comforting cabbage rolls with beef and rice are a warm, satisfying meal featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, baked in a rich homemade tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 2 cups (480 ml) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off about 12 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for about 2 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside on a kitchen towel to cool.
  2. Rinse 3/4 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook it partially (about 10 minutes) until just tender but still firm. Drain and cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, beef broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried herbs. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. In a saucepan, stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and onion powder. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if it seems too thick.
  5. Lay one cabbage leaf flat, trim the thick vein if needed. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  6. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish snugly but not overcrowded. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. About 10 minutes before done, remove foil to let the tops brown slightly if desired.
  8. Let the cabbage rolls rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Notes

Blanch cabbage leaves carefully to avoid tearing. Pre-cook rice partially to prevent mushy filling. Simmer sauce before baking for richer flavor. Cover with foil during baking to keep rolls moist. Let rolls rest after baking to thicken sauce and meld flavors. Variations include vegetarian filling with lentils or mushrooms, spicy additions, and stovetop simmering instead of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, beef and rice, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade cabbage rolls, baked cabbage rolls, family recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/comforting-cabbage-rolls-with-beef-and-rice-easy-homemade-recipe-for-dinner/