Name: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cabbage (3 lbs) – The star of the dish. The cabbage leaves act as the perfect vessel to hold the savory filling.; 1/2 lb ground beef – Provides a rich flavor and protein boost. You can substitute this with lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative.; 1/2 lb ground turkey bacon – Adds a smoky depth to the filling. You might also use turkey sausage for added flavor.; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – A key ingredient to keep the rolls moist and add acidity.; 1 small onion, chopped – Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.; 1/2 cup long grain rice – Helps bind the filling together and adds texture.; 1 tbsp dried parsley – A seasoning that brightens the dish.; 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the meat and rice mixture.; 1/2 tsp dill – A traditional herb that pairs well with cabbage.; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper – Adds a hint of heat to the rolls.; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Brings freshness and acidity to the dish.; 1/2 tsp sugar – Balances the acidity from the tomatoes.

Description

Delicious stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. A comforting main dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head of cabbage (3 lbs) – The star of the dish. The cabbage leaves act as the perfect vessel to hold the savory filling.
1/2 lb ground beef – Provides a rich flavor and protein boost. You can substitute this with lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
1/2 lb ground turkey bacon – Adds a smoky depth to the filling. You might also use turkey sausage for added flavor.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – A key ingredient to keep the rolls moist and add acidity.
1 small onion, chopped – Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
1/2 cup long grain rice – Helps bind the filling together and adds texture.
1 tbsp dried parsley – A seasoning that brightens the dish.
1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the meat and rice mixture.
1/2 tsp dill – A traditional herb that pairs well with cabbage.
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper – Adds a hint of heat to the rolls.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Brings freshness and acidity to the dish.
1/2 tsp sugar – Balances the acidity from the tomatoes.

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage: Begin by boiling the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of salted water for about 10-15 minutes until the leaves are tender and pliable. Once cooked, carefully remove 12 large leaves and set them aside to cool. Reserve any remaining cabbage for later use.
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground turkey bacon, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, the chopped 1 small onion, 1/2 cup long grain rice, 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dill, and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Prepare the cabbage leaves: Carefully trim the thick vein on each cabbage leaf to make them easier to roll. Use a little bit of the remaining cabbage, finely chopped, to layer at the bottom of your baking dish for added flavor.
Stuff the leaves: Take one cabbage leaf and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture, placing it near the stem side, then fold in the sides and roll tightly from the stem end toward the top. Repeat this with the remaining leaves and filling until all are used.
Arrange in the pot: Take a Dutch oven or a large baking dish and layer the bottom with some of the finely chopped remaining cabbage. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot, ensuring they are snugly packed together.
Add the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp sugar, and the remaining 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged cabbage rolls.
Bake: Cover the Dutch oven or baking dish with a lid (or aluminum foil if using a baking dish) and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours, or until the rolls are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.