Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty Homemade Delight

Bring the comforting flavors of your grandmother’s kitchen to your table with these hearty and flavorful stuffed cabbage rolls. Filled with a savory blend of meat and rice, and topped with a rich tomato sauce, this classic dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage (approximately 3 pounds)
• 1/2 pound ground beef, uncooked
• 1/2 pound ground pork, uncooked
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or dill weed)
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by boiling the cabbage in a large pot of water until the outer leaves start to loosen. Carefully remove and set aside 12 large leaves for the rolls.
2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, parsley flakes, salt, dill, and cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Assemble the Rolls: For each cabbage leaf, cut out the thick vein at the base, creating a V-shaped cut. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto the leaf. Overlap the cut ends of the leaf, fold in the sides, and roll it up starting from the cut end. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare for Baking: Slice the remaining cabbage and layer it on the bottom of a Dutch oven. Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam side down, on top of the sliced cabbage.
5. Add the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sugar, and the remaining tomato sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.
6. Bake: Cover the Dutch oven and bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and cooked through.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and serve them hot. Enjoy the rich, homey flavors that make this dish a timeless family favorite.

These stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for a comforting dinner, bringing warmth and nostalgia to any meal.