Heavenly Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These Heavenly Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Bursting with flavor from a savory blend of ground beef and pork, fragrant spices, and fresh vegetables, these rolls are enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that thickens beautifully as it simmers. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, they are best served with a touch of Louisiana hot sauce for those who prefer a spicy kick. With every bite, you'll experience a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1-2 heads (Blanched and leaves separated)
Ground beef
1 lb (Raw)
Ground pork
1/2 lb (Raw)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Onion
1 small (Grated)
Shredded cabbage
1 cup (From blanched cabbage)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (Diced small)
Green onion
1/4 cup (Sliced)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Red potato
1 small (Grated)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Tomato sauce
3 cans (2 small) (Store-bought)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by blanching the cabbage heads in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes. This softens the leaves, making them easier to roll.
2
Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, carefully separate the leaves. Reserve the smaller inner leaves for later use in the filling.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, raw rice, shredded cabbage, grated potatoes, eggs, grated onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous portion of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides over and roll it up tightly, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5
Heat one tablespoon of oil in each of two large skillets over medium heat. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillets, arranging them snugly side by side.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the two small cans of tomato sauce with the brown sugar and lemon juice. Pour this sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.
7
Cover the skillets and allow the rolls to simmer for 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce to keep them moist.
8
After 30 minutes, uncover the skillets and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken nicely and develop a rich flavor.
9
Just before serving, consider adding a dash of Louisiana hot sauce on top of each cabbage roll to spice things up for those who enjoy it.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Heavenly Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comfort food dish featuring cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory blend of ground beef, pork, rice, and vegetables, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce.
What meat is used in the filling?
This recipe uses a flavorful combination of 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground pork.
How long do I blanch the cabbage heads?
The cabbage heads should be blanched in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes to soften the leaves.
Why is blanching the cabbage necessary?
Blanching softens the leaves, making them flexible and easier to roll without tearing.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes shredded cabbage, grated onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated red potato.
Is the rice cooked before mixing?
No, the recipe calls for raw rice to be mixed directly into the meat and vegetable filling.
What role does the grated potato play?
Grated potato acts as a binder and adds moisture and a unique texture to the meat mixture.
How do I properly roll the cabbage leaves?
Place a portion of the meat in the center of a leaf, fold the sides over, and roll it up tightly from the bottom.
Should I use toothpicks to secure the rolls?
You can use a toothpick if necessary, though placing them seam-side down in the skillet usually keeps them closed.
How should the cabbage rolls be placed in the skillet?
Arrange the cabbage rolls snugly side by side, seam-side down, to prevent them from opening during the cooking process.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of tomato sauce, brown sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How long should the rolls simmer in total?
The rolls should simmer for a total of 60 minutes: 30 minutes covered and 30 minutes uncovered.
Why are the rolls cooked uncovered for 30 minutes?
Cooking uncovered for the final 30 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and develop a richer flavor.
How can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
You can add a dash of Louisiana hot sauce on top of each cabbage roll just before serving.
What should I do with the small inner cabbage leaves?
The smaller inner leaves should be shredded and incorporated into the meat filling mixture.
How much tomato sauce is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for three cans of tomato sauce, specifically using two small cans for the final sauce topping.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the mix?
No, the onion is grated and added raw to the mixing bowl with the other filling ingredients.
What type of potato should I use for the filling?
The recipe recommends using one small red potato, which should be grated before mixing.
How many eggs are required for the binding mixture?
Two beaten eggs are used to help bind the meat and vegetable filling together.
Does the recipe call for fresh parsley?
Yes, it includes two tablespoons of minced fresh parsley for added fragrance and flavor.
How do I keep the rolls moist while they cook?
Baste the rolls occasionally with the tomato sauce while they are simmering in the skillet.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The filling is seasoned with salt, pepper, and minced garlic to enhance the savory meat blend.
How many cabbage heads are needed?
Depending on their size, you will need 1 to 2 heads of cabbage to provide enough large leaves for rolling.
Should the lemon juice be fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
How much brown sugar is used in the sauce?
Use 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Are green onions included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of sliced green onions in the meat and vegetable filling.
What is the final consistency of the sauce?
The sauce thickens as it simmers uncovered, resulting in a rich, flavorful glaze over the rolls.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these cabbage rolls are excellent for meal prep as they store well and can be easily reheated.
What type of bell pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for half of a green bell pepper, diced small, to be mixed into the filling.
Is oil used during the cooking process?
Yes, one tablespoon of oil is added to each skillet to prevent the rolls from sticking when they begin to simmer.