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Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Savory Tomato Sauce is a quintessential comfort food that warms the soul and nourishes the body. This dish, with its tender cabbage leaves encasing a savory mixture of meat, rice, and aromatic spices, evokes feelings of home and familial love. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, embodying the essence of a homemade meal that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Discover the heartwarming experience of making Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Savory Tomato Sauce! This classic comfort food features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a delicious filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish invites you to create lasting memories in the kitchen. Embrace tradition and flavor in every bite! Try this recipe for a truly satisfying meal that comforts the soul.
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Ingredients
  

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head of green cabbage

1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked

1 lb ground beef (or a blend of ground beef and pork for extra flavor)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp sugar (optional, to taste, to balance acidity)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cabbage: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Once the water is boiling, gently submerge the entire cabbage head for about 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves become tender and easy to handle. Carefully remove the cabbage and allow it to cool for a few minutes before peeling away 12 leaves. Set the leaves aside on a clean surface.

    Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, prepare the rice according to the package instructions until it is just tender. Once ready, drain the rice and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

      Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.

        Fill the Cabbage Leaves: Take one cabbage leaf and place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides inward over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom to the top to enclose the filling snugly. Repeat this process for all cabbage leaves until the mixture is used up.

          Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Arrange the Rolls: Pour a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, fitting them closely together. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring the rolls are well covered.

              Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and allow the rolls to bake for an additional 15 minutes, which will help caramelize the sauce and enhance the flavor.

                Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before plating and enjoy your delicious cabbage rolls while warm.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the cabbage rolls on a large platter drizzled with additional sauce, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. Consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce!