Stuffed Cabbage Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty Dish
This stuffed cabbage recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This classic dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's packed with flavor, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Cabbage:
- 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Optional additions for extra flavor:
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. You can do this by cutting a V-shape into the core and using a sharp knife to cut around it.
- Separate the cabbage leaves, boiling them in batches until softened but still holding their shape (about 3-5 minutes per batch). Set aside.
2. Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (and optional carrots and celery) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper (and optional paprika and cayenne pepper). Bring to a simmer.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Cabbage:
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto the base of each cabbage leaf.
- Roll up the cabbage leaf tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-down in a large pot or Dutch oven.
4. Simmer and Bake (or just Simmer):
- Option 1 (Simmer): Pour any remaining sauce from the skillet over the cabbage rolls. Add enough water or broth to come halfway up the sides of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Option 2 (Simmer and Bake): Follow the simmering instructions above for about an hour. Then, transfer the pot to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake, covered, for another 30-45 minutes. This method helps deepen the flavors.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious stuffed cabbage hot. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes a wonderful garnish.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Make sure there's enough space between the cabbage rolls to allow for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Seasoning can be adjusted to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
This stuffed cabbage recipe is a true comfort food classic. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations with your friends and family!
