Description
A comforting casserole filled with hearty stuffed cabbage rolls, combining ground beef, pork, and rice in a savory tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from each cabbage head and place the whole heads in the boiling water. Blanch for about 5-7 minutes until the leaves are tender. Remove and let cool.
- Peel off 12-15 leaves from the cooled cabbage.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and ground pork, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, cooked rice, crushed tomatoes (reserve 1 cup for topping), brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Take a cabbage leaf, place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center, and roll it up, tucking in the sides. Place the stuffed roll seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Pour the reserved crushed tomatoes over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with a mix of lentils and mushrooms.
- Add extra spices for enhanced flavor.
- For a spicier kick, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg