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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Tutorial

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A comforting and hearty recipe featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and pork filling, baked in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and gently peel away about 12 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable but not mushy. Drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool. Trim thick vein at base if leaves are large.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until evenly combined without overmixing.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning.
  4. Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Place about 2 tablespoons (30g) of filling near the base. Fold sides over filling and roll tightly from base to tip. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour remaining tomato sauce over rolls. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake for 1 hour until rolls are tender and flavors meld. Remove foil in last 10 minutes if desired to thicken sauce on top.
  7. Let rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra tomato sauce spooned over.

Notes

Do not overcook cabbage leaves during blanching to avoid tearing. Mix filling gently to prevent toughness. Let rolls rest after baking for better texture. Use gluten-free rice or quinoa for gluten-free version. Ground turkey or chicken can replace pork for a lighter option. Tomato sauce can be simmered longer for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage rolls recipe, homemade tomato sauce, comfort food, beef and pork filling, family dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/stuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe-easy-homemade-tomato-sauce-tutorial/