If you're searching for a dish that beautifully marries comfort and flavor, look no further than these Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! This Eastern European classic is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of taste that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. With tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, all smothered in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the mouthwatering details of how to create this culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Core the cabbage and carefully remove the leaves by briefly immersing the head in boiling water, separating each leaf gently to prevent tearing. Pat the leaves dry and trim the thick stem base to make rolling easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take each cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture near the stem end. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides to create a compact roll, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sweet and sour sauce by whisking together tomato sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven, creating a single layer or stacking them carefully.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring each roll is well-coated.
- Cover the baking dish with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour.
- Remove the cover during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to caramelize and thicken slightly.
- Check the internal temperature of the rolls to ensure the meat is fully cooked, reaching at least 160°F (71°C).
- Let the cabbage rolls rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the flavors to meld and the rolls to set.
- Serve hot, spooning additional sauce from the baking dish over the rolls, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Look for a fresh, firm head of cabbage with tightly packed leaves. Savoy cabbage is a great option for its tender leaves, making rolling easier.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the cabbage rolls in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly before baking, and they’ll be ready to pop in the oven when you are!
- Perfect the Sauce: Taste your sweet and sour sauce before pouring it over the rolls. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more brown sugar or vinegar to suit your palate.
- Layering: If you have leftover cabbage leaves, chop them up and layer them at the bottom of your baking dish. This adds flavor and prevents the rolls from sticking.
- Resting Time: After baking, let the rolls rest for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your cabbage rolls with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.Enjoy your cooking adventure with these delicious Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
