Easy stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect to make for that Sunday family dinner. A great make ahead freezer dinner, this simple recipe is handed down from my polish grandparents!
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time1 hourhr15 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr45 minutesmins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Polish
Keyword: dinner
Servings: 12
Calories: 341kcal
Author: Kellie
Cost: $10
Equipment
1 baking dish
Ingredients
2tablespoonsolive oil
1 1/2cupschopped oniondivided
2 28-ouncecans crushed tomatoes
4tablespoonsapple cider vinegar
1/2cupbrown sugar
1/2cupgrated apple
1 1/2teaspoonkosher saltdivided
1 1/2teaspoonfresh ground pepperdivided
1large head green cabbage
2 1/2poundlean ground beef
3large eggs
3/4cuppanko breadcrumbs
1cupcooked white rice
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 cup onions to the pot and cook until softened, approximately 8 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, apple, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to the onions stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil then turn the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in the boiling water. Boil the cabbage for approximately 5 minutes or until the leaves come off easily with tongs. Boil for 1-2 more minutes until the leaves are soft and flexible. You will need approximately 12-14 leaves depending on the size. Remove the leaves from the pot and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, remaining onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, rice, salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup sauce to the meat mixture.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Ladle 1 cup sauce into the bottom of your braising pan or baking dish.
Using a pairing knife, remove the thick triangular rib from the base of the cabbage leaf. Using clean hands, shape 1/3 cup filling mixture into an oval meatball shape and place in the center of the cabbage leaf and begin to roll up to the outer edge folding in the sides as you go.
Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the pan. Cover the rolls with the sauce.
Cover the dish with the lid and bake for 1-1.25 hours or until the meat is cooked through.
Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Cabbage rolls can be assembled in a freezer friendly baking dish, covered tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.Want more easy dinner ideas? Check out this list of over 100 easy meals!