Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food enjoyed in many cultures. The dish typically consists of ground meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves and cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Here’s a basic recipe for making old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Remove the core from the cabbage.
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the outer leaves are tender enough to be peeled off. You might need to repeat this process, removing leaves until you reach the firmer inner leaves.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and cut off the thick center stem to make it easier to roll.
   • Spoon a portion of the filling onto the center of the leaf.
   • Fold in the sides and roll up the cabbage leaf, creating a secure package.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer and Cook:
   • Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the dish.
   • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the cabbage is tender and the internal temperature of the rolls reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Serve:
   • Once cooked, let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top when serving.

Enjoy these delicious old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a green salad!