Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Ground Beef and Rice: 7 Reasons to Love

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, let me introduce you to my favorite stuffed cabbage rolls recipe featuring ground beef and rice. Seriously, these little bundles of joy are like a warm hug in food form! I remember the first time I made them—it was a chilly evening, and the aroma of simmering garlic and onions filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to dig in!

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food, often reminding me of family gatherings and hearty meals shared with loved ones. The combination of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice is just unbeatable. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls together. I promise you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Ground Beef and Rice

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these stuffed cabbage rolls absolutely delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure your cabbage is fresh for the best flavor and texture! And when it comes to the ground beef, I love using a good quality one for that rich taste. If you want to get a bit adventurous, you can even throw in some herbs like dill or parsley into the filling for an extra pop of flavor! So, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Ground Beef and Rice

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the fun part—preparing these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it seems, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Let’s do this!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cabbage rolls cook evenly and get that perfect bubbly goodness on top. While that’s heating up, we can tackle the cabbage!

Prepare the Cabbage

Grab your head of cabbage and carefully remove the core using a sharp knife. This step is crucial because it allows the leaves to peel off easily. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently place the whole cabbage in there. Let it boil for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the leaves to soften just enough so they’re pliable but not mushy. It’s like giving the cabbage a little spa treatment!

Sauté the Vegetables

While the cabbage is boiling, let’s get those flavors going! In a skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. You want them to be translucent and just starting to caramelize—this will add such a lovely depth of flavor to your filling!

Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, cooked rice, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Don’t forget to sprinkle in that salt, pepper, and paprika! Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined. This is where all those delicious flavors merge, so make sure every bite will be packed with goodness!

Assemble the Rolls

Now comes the fun part—assembling your rolls! Carefully remove the softened cabbage leaves from the pot and let them cool for a minute. Take one leaf at a time and place a spoonful of your beef mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends as you go. It might take a couple of tries to get it just right, but that’s part of the process! Just think of it as a delicious little present you’re wrapping!

Bake the Cabbage Rolls

Once all your rolls are assembled, place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour that luscious tomato sauce over the top, covering them generously. This will keep them moist while baking and add even more flavor! Now, pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 45 minutes. The aroma will be absolutely heavenly, and trust me, you’ll want to dig in as soon as they come out!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Ground Beef and Rice

Let me tell you, this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a total game changer! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore these hearty little packages:

• Hearty and satisfying—a perfect meal for those chilly nights!
• Simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it great for any weeknight dinner.
• A wonderful blend of flavors, with tender cabbage, savory beef, and fluffy rice that come together beautifully.
• Perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Great for feeding a crowd—everyone loves these rolls, and they’re so easy to serve!
• Comfort food at its finest; they remind me of family gatherings and warm home-cooked meals.
• Customizable! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the filling for a personal touch.
• Freezer-friendly! You can make them ahead of time and pop them in the freezer for later.

Seriously, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! This recipe is all about bringing warmth and joy to your table.

Tips for Success with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Ground Beef and Rice

To ensure your stuffed cabbage rolls turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that you’ll want to keep in mind. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference!

• Boil the Cabbage Just Right: Be careful not to overboil the cabbage! You want those leaves to be soft enough to roll but still firm enough to hold together. Aim for about 5-7 minutes, and keep an eye on them. If they start to fall apart, it’s too long!
• Flavor the Filling: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste your filling before rolling it up. If you feel it needs a little more flavor, add an extra pinch of salt, pepper, or even some crushed red pepper for a kick!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, fresh garlic, and high-quality ground beef make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, go for organic or local options—they tend to have a richer taste!
• Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to jazz up the tomato sauce! Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of Italian herbs, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to prepare the rolls in advance! You can assemble them, cover them with sauce, and store them in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
• Let Them Rest: After baking, let the rolls sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to serve!
• Experiment with Fillings: While ground beef and rice are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Ground turkey, quinoa, or even lentils can be great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust your seasonings accordingly!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to making the most scrumptious stuffed cabbage rolls! Enjoy the process, and remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own!

Nutritional Information

Let’s take a moment to appreciate how satisfying these stuffed cabbage rolls are, not just in flavor but in nutrition too! Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, which is about two rolls:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 18g

These rolls are not only hearty and filling but also pack a good amount of protein and fiber, thanks to the ground beef and rice. Plus, they’re a nice balance of carbs and fats, making them a well-rounded meal option. So, dig in without guilt and enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ About Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Ground Beef and Rice

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear about stuffed cabbage rolls, along with my best answers to help you out:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just remember that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the meat you choose, so make sure it’s thoroughly cooked!

What if I don’t have cabbage?

No cabbage? No problem! You can use collard greens or even large Swiss chard leaves as a substitute. Just make sure to soften them a bit in boiling water, just like you would with cabbage, so they’re easy to roll.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can! These rolls are perfect for meal prep. Just assemble them, cover with sauce, and store them in the fridge for up to two days before baking. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.

How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?

Good question! You’ll know they’re done when the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). The rolls should also be bubbly and hot throughout. Yum!

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Oh, definitely! Feel free to sneak in some finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté them first so they soften up nicely before mixing!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat your cabbage rolls is in the oven! Just preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to keep them moist, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but I find that the oven keeps them from getting soggy.

Can I use instant rice instead of cooked rice?

While you can use instant rice, I recommend sticking with cooked rice for the best texture and flavor. Instant rice can sometimes be a bit mushy, and you want that lovely fluffy texture in your rolls!

What sauces pair well with stuffed cabbage rolls?

Besides the classic tomato sauce, you can also try marinara, a creamy mushroom sauce, or even a simple garlic butter sauce for a twist. Feel free to get creative with flavors that you love!

Hopefully, these FAQs help clarify any doubts you might have about making these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help you create the best meal possible!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve made these delightful stuffed cabbage rolls, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly so you can savor every last bite.

To store your cabbage rolls, let them cool completely if you’ve just baked them. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. If you’ve got a lot, you can layer them with some extra tomato sauce in between to keep them moist. They’ll last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover the container well to prevent them from drying out!

If you want to keep them for longer, these rolls are perfect for freezing! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.

For reheating, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place your cabbage rolls in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just pop them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for a minute at a time until they’re hot. But remember, they might lose a bit of that lovely texture in the microwave.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your stuffed cabbage rolls as many times as you want, and they’ll taste just as good as when they were freshly made! Happy eating!

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