Easy Stuffed Cabbage Recipe: A Delicious and Simple Dish
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy recipe? Look no further than this easy stuffed cabbage recipe! This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it a family favorite. Forget the complicated, time-consuming methods; this recipe streamlines the process while maintaining delicious results.
What You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this delicious meal with ease.
For the Filling:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cabbage:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 2 cups beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cabbage:
- Remove the core: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage using a sharp knife. You can do this by cutting out a small wedge from the bottom of the cabbage.
- Separate the leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the cabbage into the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves are slightly softened and pliable enough to separate easily. Remove one leaf at a time and set aside.
Making the Filling:
- Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine ingredients: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked.
Assembling and Baking the Stuffed Cabbage:
- Stuff the leaves: Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then roll the leaf from the bottom to the top, forming a tight roll.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-down in a large baking dish.
- Add broth: Pour the beef broth into the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is heated through.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the cabbage leaves: Overcooked leaves will become mushy. Aim for slightly softened but still holding their shape.
- Use a variety of meats: Feel free to experiment with different ground meats, such as turkey or sausage.
- Add other vegetables: Enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the filling.
- Serve with a side dish: This delicious dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
This easy stuffed cabbage recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and deliciousness will have your family asking for seconds. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us using #EasyStuffedCabbage!
