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Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice (Baked)

Close-up of two delicious cabbage rolls cut in half showing the savory filling of ground meat and rice, covered in tomato sauce.
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Make comforting, traditional stuffed cabbage rolls featuring ground beef and rice, baked in a simple tomato sauce. This recipe focuses on ease while delivering classic, hearty flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Remove the core from the cabbage. Place the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable. Carefully remove the head and let it cool enough to handle. Separate about 12 large outer leaves. Trim the thick center rib from each leaf so it rolls easily.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Mix well.
  5. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inward over the filling, then roll the leaf tightly away from you to form a compact roll.
  6. In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix this sauce well.
  7. Pour half of the tomato sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
  8. Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Let the rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For easier rolling, you can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage in the filling.
  • If you are interested in meal planning for the week, these cabbage rolls freeze well after baking.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal delivery companies when you want hearty, home-cooked food.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/cabbage-rolls-classic-stuffed-recipe-easy-baked/