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A Cozy Family Favorite: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings the whole family together, there’s nothing quite like a plate of stuffed cabbage rolls. This timeless dish, with its tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, is a classic that transcends generations. Whether you grew up with this dish or are discovering it for the first time, stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a family favorite in your home.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make the ultimate stuffed cabbage rolls — a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Comforting and Hearty: These cabbage rolls are packed with a flavorful filling of meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making them the perfect cold-weather meal.
- A Versatile Dish: You can make them with ground beef, pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with lentils or quinoa.
- Great for Family Dinners: Stuffed cabbage rolls are ideal for sharing. They’re easy to make in large batches and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Cabbage rolls often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. They make excellent leftovers!
Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even quinoa for a healthier option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for a richer flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste