Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. The tomato sauce adds a rich, tangy layer of flavor that complements the dish perfectly. This meal brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

1. Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel the leaves from the cabbage head, removing about 12-15 whole leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves by boiling them for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the cooked rice, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano (if using). Remove from heat.
4. To assemble, place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form a cylinder. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
5. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, and water. Pour the mixture over the cabbage rolls.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are tender.
8. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional herbs, if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings