Cabbage Rolls Recipe with Ground Beef: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious recipe that's perfect for a cozy night in? Look no further than these cabbage rolls stuffed with savory ground beef. This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make and offers a fantastic blend of textures and flavors that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords and a natural, engaging writing style.
What Makes This Cabbage Roll Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: We focus on readily available ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. No need to hunt down obscure spices!
- Step-by-Step Instructions: The detailed instructions ensure even novice cooks can successfully create delicious cabbage rolls.
- Flavorful Filling: The ground beef filling is bursting with flavor thanks to a special blend of herbs and spices.
- Tender Cabbage: We'll guide you through the perfect technique for cooking the cabbage leaves to achieve that ideal balance of tenderness and firmness.
- Versatile Recipe: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or add a touch of spice to suit your taste.
Ingredients You'll Need:
-
For the Cabbage:
- 1 large green cabbage
- Salt
- Water
-
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
For Serving (optional):
- Sour cream
- Fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cabbage:
- Remove the core: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage using a sharp knife. This allows the leaves to separate easily.
- Boil the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the leaves are softened enough to peel off easily.
- Separate the leaves: Gently separate the leaves, discarding any that are torn or damaged.
Preparing the Filling:
- Cook the beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked through.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:
- Fill the leaves: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf.
- Roll and tuck: Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the rolled cabbage leaves seam-down in a baking dish.
Baking the Cabbage Rolls:
- Add liquid: Pour any remaining filling and about 1 cup of water or broth into the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is heated through. You may want to uncover for the last 15 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious cabbage rolls hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley. They are wonderful as a main course or a comforting side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Use different meat: Substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the filling.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!