Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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### 👨‍🍳 Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Cabbage Leaves**
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully core the cabbage, then place the whole head in the boiling water. As the leaves soften, gently peel them away with tongs. You’ll need about 12–15 leaves. Trim the thick stem from each leaf so they’re easier to roll.

#### 2. **Make the Filling**
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Mix gently until well combined—don’t overwork it.

#### 3. **Assemble the Rolls**
Place a cabbage leaf flat, add 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center, then roll it up like a burrito: fold in the sides and roll from the bottom to top. Place seam-side down in a baking dish or large pot.

#### 4. **Make the Sauce**
In a separate bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, seasonings, and water or broth.

#### 5. **Layer and Bake**
Pour about 1/3 of the sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Add the cabbage rolls in a single layer, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake at **350°F (175°C)** for **1.5 to 2 hours**, until the rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbly.

*Alternatively*: You can also simmer them on the stovetop in a large covered pot.

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### 🧊 Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

– **Make ahead**: Assemble the rolls and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
– **Freeze**: Let the rolls cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven or microwave with extra sauce.

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### 📝 Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

– Mashed potatoes or boiled baby potatoes
– A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
– Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
– A side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad

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### 💡 Pro Tips

– **Don’t skip the sugar in the sauce**—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
– **Use leftover rice** for the filling to save time.
– **Add a smoky twist** by including a bit of cooked bacon or smoked paprika in the filling.
– **Low-carb option**: Swap rice for cauliflower rice to lighten things up.

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### ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **Comforting & satisfying** – perfect for chilly nights or Sunday dinners
– **Great for feeding a crowd** – easy to double or triple
– **Freezer-friendly** – make once, enjoy again and again
– **Customizable** – swap proteins, seasonings, or grains to suit your taste

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### Final Thoughts

**Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls** are the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even call your grandma. They’re packed with love, flavor, and old-school charm—proof that some recipes truly stand the test of time. Whether it’s your first time making them or your hundredth, this recipe brings that perfect balance of tradition and comfort to your table.

So roll up your sleeves, fill those cabbage leaves, and enjoy one of the most beloved classic dishes from around the world. 🥬🍅🍴