Warm up your kitchen with these Pot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a classic one-pot meal that wraps tender cabbage leaves around a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, this dish brings nostalgic flavors with every bite. 🥬🍅🔥

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Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of half beef, half pork)
• ½ cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of paprika or fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: splash of vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Core the cabbage and carefully peel off whole leaves.
3. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable.
4. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and optional spices or herbs.
2. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the base.
2. Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then roll tightly like a burrito.
3. Set aside seam-side down. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, if desired, for a tangy kick.
5. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls

1. Gently nestle the cabbage rolls into the pot, spooning some sauce over the top.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 60–90 minutes, or until the rolls are tender.
3. Alternatively, bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for the same time.

6. Serve

1. Spoon extra sauce over the rolls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

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Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked or uncooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking or reheating.
• Variations: Swap rice for quinoa or add chopped veggies like carrots to the filling for extra texture.

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This Pot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a timeless dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Share it with loved ones and savor the cozy, home-cooked vibes! 🍲

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 60–90 minutes | Serves: 4–6