Ingredients
Scale
Let’s gather the essentials for our culinary adventure. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, your choice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Substitutions are welcome here. You can swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative if you’re aiming for a vegetarian version. The heart of the dish lies in the harmony of flavors, so feel free to personalize it to your taste.
Instructions
Ready to bring these flavors to life? Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and gently peel off the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 2 minutes, until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly, tucking in the edges to secure the filling.
- Arrange the rolls seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the tops to brown slightly.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
