Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

1 large head of green cabbage

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork (optional for extra flavor)

1 cup cooked white rice

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup beef broth (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Carefully core the cabbage and place it in the boiling water.

Gently peel off the outer leaves as they soften (you'll need about 12 large leaves).

Trim the thick vein on each leaf to make rolling easier.

2. Make the filling:

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork (if using), cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Assemble the rolls:

Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf.

Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly like a burrito.

4. Make the sauce:

In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth (if using).

5. Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large baking dish, spread a bit of sauce on the bottom.

Lay the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.

Pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Cover with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until the rolls are tender.