Easy Stuffed Cabbage Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food

This classic filling combines ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices to create a hearty meal that brings comfort to your table. The mixture of meat and rice gives you protein and carbs in every bite, while onions and garlic add rich flavor that makes this dish truly special.

Ingredients

For the cabbage:

- 1 large head of green cabbage

- 2 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

- 1 pound ground beef

- 1 cup cooked white rice

- 1 small onion, chopped fine

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon paprika

For the sauce:

- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 cup beef broth

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage head using a sharp knife. Put the whole cabbage in a large pot with boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves become soft. Carefully remove the cabbage and let it cool. Peel off 12-15 large leaves and set them aside.

2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands to mix everything well until all ingredients are combined.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.

4. Assemble the rolls: Take one cabbage leaf and place 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Repeat with all leaves and filling.

5. Cook the stuffed cabbage: Pour half of the sauce into a large pot or Dutch oven. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 hours.

6. Serve: Let the stuffed cabbage cool for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon some sauce over each roll and enjoy your homemade meal.

These helpful tips will make your stuffed cabbage turn out perfectly every time. Follow these suggestions to avoid common mistakes and create a dish that tastes amazing.

- Choose the Right Cabbage: Pick a cabbage head that feels heavy and has bright green leaves. The leaves should look fresh without brown spots or tears. A good cabbage will make rolling easier and taste better in your finished dish.

- Don't Overcook the Cabbage Leaves: When you boil the cabbage, watch it carefully. The leaves should be soft enough to bend but not too soft that they tear easily. If the leaves are too hard, they will break when you try to roll them.

- Use the Right Amount of Filling: Put just enough filling in each leaf so you can roll it easily. Too much filling will make the rolls burst open during cooking. Too little filling will make your rolls taste bland.

- Roll Tightly but Gently: When you roll the cabbage leaves, make them tight enough to stay closed but not so tight that they tear. Think of it like wrapping a present - firm but careful.

- Let the Sauce Simmer: Cook your stuffed cabbage on low heat for the full cooking time. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and helps all the flavors mix together perfectly.

- Check the Liquid Level: During cooking, make sure there is always some liquid in the pot. If the sauce gets too low, add more beef broth or water to prevent burning.

While the traditional meat and rice filling is delicious, there are many other options to try. These different fillings will give your stuffed cabbage new flavors and help you use ingredients you already have at home.

- Mushroom and Barley Filling: Mix cooked barley with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a hearty vegetarian option. This filling has a rich, earthy taste that many people love.

- Turkey and Vegetable Filling: Use ground turkey instead of beef and add diced carrots and celery to the mix. This lighter option is perfect for people who want a healthier version of stuffed cabbage.

- Lentil and Bulgur Filling: Combine cooked lentils with bulgur wheat, chopped tomatoes, and Middle Eastern spices. This protein-rich filling is great for vegetarians and has a unique flavor.

- Pork and Apple Filling: Mix ground pork with diced apples, onions, and sage for a sweet and savory combination. The apples add natural sweetness that pairs well with the cabbage.

- Quinoa and Black Bean Filling: Use cooked quinoa and black beans with corn, bell peppers, and Mexican spices. This colorful filling brings a southwestern taste to your traditional cabbage rolls.

- Chicken and Herb Filling: Ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives creates a light, flavorful filling. Add some lemon zest for extra freshness.

- Seafood Filling: Try cooked shrimp or crab meat mixed with rice, green onions, and Old Bay seasoning. This special filling makes your stuffed cabbage feel fancy and different.