Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Ground Beef and Rice
Nothing quite captures the essence of hearty, homemade comfort food like a piping hot plate of stuffed cabbage rolls. This classic dish has been a beloved staple in households around the world for generations, and for good reason. The combination of tender, flavorful cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory ground beef and rice filling is simply irresistible.
What makes this recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Ground Beef and Rice so special is its perfect balance of time-honored tradition and modern convenience. With straightforward preparation and simple, accessible ingredients, you can enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of this iconic dish without the hours of laborious work that used to be required. Get ready to wow your family and friends with a comforting meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a reason stuffed cabbage rolls have maintained their popularity over the years – they’re absolutely delicious! This recipe takes that classic flavor profile and makes it even more enticing. The savory ground beef and fragrant rice filling is complemented by the natural sweetness of the cabbage leaves, creating a harmonious texture contrast that’s simply heavenly.
But beyond just tasting amazing, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal hands-on time and straightforward steps, you can have this hearty meal on the table in no time. Plus, the make-ahead and freezing options make it a breeze to batch cook and have a stockpile of delicious, home-cooked dinners ready to go.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just serving your own family, this recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire. Get ready to enjoy all the comforting flavors of this classic dish with a fraction of the effort!
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Ground Beef and Rice ❓
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 cup of cooked white rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs and spices creates the Eastern European-inspired flavor profile that has made stuffed cabbage recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
• Step 3: Carefully peel off the softened cabbage leaves, trying to keep them intact. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and rice filling onto the center of each leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up tightly to form a neat bundle.
• Step 4: Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish or casserole. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Step 5: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 60-75 minutes, until the cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked through.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 60-75 minutes
• Total time: 90-105 minutes
Compared to traditional Eastern European-style stuffed cabbage which can take up to 2-3 hours to prepare, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the regular white rice to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the butter or cheese-based ingredients and use olive oil or non-dairy alternatives.
• Added protein: Mix in an extra 1/2 pound of ground turkey or chicken for a protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Finely chop and sauté carrots, celery, or mushrooms to incorporate more veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
• Complement the rolls with a bowl of hearty tomato or mushroom soup.
• For a comforting family dinner, serve alongside sliced crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
• Create an Eastern European-inspired platter with pickled vegetables, rye bread, and sour cream.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overstuffing the leaves: Don’t pile too much filling into each cabbage leaf, or they may split and tear during baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons per leaf.
• Not sealing the rolls tightly: If the cabbage rolls aren’t rolled up snugly, they can unravel in the baking dish. Make sure to fold the sides over the filling and roll them up tightly.
• Undercooking the filling: The ground beef and rice mixture needs to be fully cooked before assembling the rolls. Partially cooking the filling first ensures it’s done all the way through.
• Skipping the sauce: The tangy tomato-based sauce is essential for adding moisture and flavor to the cabbage rolls. Don’t forget to pour it over the top before baking.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked cabbage rolls to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Reheating: Place frozen or refrigerated cabbage rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for refrigerated and 45-60 minutes for frozen.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the unbaked cabbage rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw (if frozen) and bake as directed.
Can I substitute a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of meats in place of the ground beef. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile, but the recipe will still work well. You may need to adjust seasoning levels to account for the different meat.
How can I make this recipe more diet-friendly?
There are several ways to adapt this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe for specific dietary needs. For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice. To reduce fat, use 93% lean ground beef and omit any cheese or butter. And for a dairy-free option, simply leave out the dairy-based ingredients and use non-dairy alternatives instead.
Why are my cabbage rolls falling apart?
If your cabbage rolls are coming undone during baking, there are a few potential causes. Make sure you’re not overcooking the cabbage leaves when parboiling them – they should be pliable but still hold their shape. Also, be careful not to overstuff the leaves, as too much filling can cause them to split. Finally, ensure you’re rolling them up tightly and placing them seam-side down in the baking dish.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is very versatile and lends itself well to variations. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to the filling. You can also experiment with different spice blends, such as a Hungarian paprika or Italian seasoning. Just keep the overall ingredient proportions and cooking times in mind when making modifications.
Conclusion
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Ground Beef and Rice represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or impressive main course for a gathering, they’re sure to impress with their tender texture and savory, satisfying filling. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these stuffed cabbage rolls demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give this classic dish a try? Your taste buds (and your loved ones) are sure to thank you.
