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Cozy Lucky Cabbage Rolls Recipe with Hearty Tomato Sauce

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Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, pork, and rice, baked in a rich and hearty tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large green cabbage (about 3–4 lbs)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage leaves: Core the cabbage and separate 12-14 large leaves. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and cool on a towel. Trim thick stems if needed.
  2. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  4. Prepare the tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Assemble the rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the base. Fold in sides and roll tightly but gently. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  6. Cook the cabbage rolls: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a skillet or casserole dish. Arrange rolls seam-side down snugly. Pour remaining sauce over rolls. Cover with lid or foil.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 45-50 minutes until filling is cooked and sauce bubbles. Check at 40 minutes to avoid drying out.
  8. Rest and serve: Let rolls rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

Notes

[‘Blanch cabbage leaves just until pliable to avoid tearing.’, ‘Keep filling moist with egg and milk to prevent dryness.’, ‘Mix filling gently to avoid dense texture.’, ‘Layer sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.’, ‘Cover while baking to trap steam and keep rolls moist.’, ‘Let rolls rest after baking to settle flavors.’, ‘Can prepare rolls a day ahead and bake before serving.’, ‘Freeze cooked rolls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, tomato sauce, comfort food, ground beef, ground pork, family dinner, easy recipe, hearty meal

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cozy-lucky-cabbage-rolls-recipe-with-hearty-tomato-sauce-easy-and-perfect/