Classic Cabbage Rolls
Delicious and hearty cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
1 large head green cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully core the cabbage and gently separate the leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Trim the thick vein from the bottom of each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier.
Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
In a large oven-safe baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, beef broth, and lemon juice. Pour this sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove from the oven and let the cabbage rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving.