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Meatball Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Meatball Cabbage Rolls Recipe
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A classic comfort food dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned meatballs and simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice (uncooked, 1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage: Carefully remove core from cabbage. Place whole cabbage in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until leaves are pliable enough to remove. Carefully peel off 12-16 outer leaves. Trim thick veins from the base of each leaf.
  2. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
  3. Form the rolls: Take a large cabbage leaf and place a portion of the meat mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) near the stem end. Fold in the sides of the leaf, then roll it up tightly from the stem end.
  4. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or beef broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble and cook: Pour about 1/3 of the sauce into the bottom of a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down on top of the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
  6. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the meat is cooked through.
  7. Alternatively, bake: Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
  • Adjust brown sugar and lemon juice in the sauce to your preference.
  • Ensure cabbage leaves are pliable before rolling to prevent tearing.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the rolls and your stove/oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.masterthecook.com/meatball-cabbage-rolls-recipe/