Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
Soft cabbage leaves stuffed with a well-seasoned mix of ground beef and raw rice, then gently simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce until perfectly tender. A hearty, budget-friendly comfort meal that brings everyone to the table.
🛒 Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 large green cabbage
- 700 g (1.5 lb) ground beef
- 3 cups raw white rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 fresh chili pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp beef bouillon powder (or vegetable)
- Salt to taste
- 1 can (approx. 14 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 to 4 cups water
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Directions
- 1
Carefully peel the cabbage leaves, cutting out the tough central rib with a sharp knife.
- 2
Blanch the leaves in a large pot of boiling salted water until softened and pliable, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine the raw rice, ground beef, onion, garlic, chili, bouillon powder, and salt.
- 4
Knead the filling until fully combined and evenly seasoned.
- 5
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean work surface, place a portion of filling in the center, and roll tightly like a spring roll, tucking in the sides.
- 6
Arrange the rolls side by side in a wide pot — do not stack them. Mix the tomato sauce with the water and pour over the rolls until completely covered.
- 7
Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes without stirring, until the rice is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Chef's Tip
Make sure the rolls are fully submerged in the sauce so the rice cooks evenly. A bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika adds wonderful depth to the tomato broth.
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