Description
Tender cabbage leaves filled with a hearty mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce until rich and comforting. A timeless family favorite perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- Green Cabbage: 1 large head
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Cooked Rice: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1 large
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cups
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice or Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare a large pot for stovetop cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Core the cabbage, blanch leaves for 2–3 minutes, and drain.
- Assemble the Dish: Place filling in each leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.
- Cook to Perfection: Arrange rolls in a baking dish or pot, layering with tomato sauce. Pour remaining sauce on top, drizzle with olive oil, add sugar and lemon juice. Cover and bake for 1 ½ hours or simmer on the stove for the same time.
- Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning in the sauce with salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra sauce.
Notes
- Do not overfill the cabbage leaves to prevent bursting.
- Freeze the cabbage overnight and thaw for easy peeling without blanching.
- Rolls taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg