Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Prepare the Cabbage:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully place the entire head into the boiling water.
2. Boil the cabbage for about 5-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Gently peel off the leaves, one by one, being careful not to tear them. Set the leaves aside. You’ll need about 12-15 large leaves for stuffing.
4. Make the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and dill.
   • Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The egg will help bind the mixture together.
5. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, vein side down. Cut a V-shaped notch at the base of the leaf to remove the thick part of the stem.
   • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
   • Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll the leaf up from the base to the top, encasing the filling securely. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
   • Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
   • Pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the dish to prevent the rolls from drying out during baking.
8. Bake:
   • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
9. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the baking dish and place them on a serving platter.
   • Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the rolls before serving.

Enjoy these comforting stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread!