Hearty Country Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce

Country cabbage rolls bring comfort and warmth, combining tender savoy cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and onions. These rolls are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a delicious meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. This hearty, classic dish offers a wholesome taste of tradition, while the savory tomato broth adds depth and richness to each bite.

Ingredients

  • For the Cabbage Rolls:
    • 1 large savoy cabbage
    • 2 pounds lean ground beef
    • 2 medium to large onions, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons canola oil, olive oil, or butter
    • 1 cup white or brown rice
    • 2 cups water
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • For the Sauce:
    • 2 cans tomato soup
    • 2 small bottles of tomato juice or vegetable cocktail (like V8)
    • 1 small can or carton of chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Use a knife to carefully cut out the core of the cabbage.Place the cabbage in the boiling water, and cook for 5-8 minutes, gently peeling off each leaf with tongs as it becomes tender. Place the leaves aside to cool.
  2. Cook the Rice: In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.
  3. Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Incorporate the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions, eggs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, tucking in the edges to keep the filling secure.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, combine the tomato soup, tomato juice (or vegetable cocktail), and chicken broth. Stir well.
  6. Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Place a layer of cabbage rolls in the pot with the tomato sauce, then layer more rolls on top, ensuring they’re covered by the sauce. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat, until the rolls are tender and flavors are well blended.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove the rolls from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the rolls for extra flavor, and serve hot.

Conclusion

These country cabbage rolls, with their comforting flavors of seasoned beef, rice, and a rich tomato broth, make for an ideal family meal or special occasion dish. Each roll brings tender texture and hearty goodness, filling you with the warmth of home-cooked tradition. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Hearty Country Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce

Classic country cabbage rolls filled with seasonedbeef, rice, and onions, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth for a comforting,satisfying meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Eastern European
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 large savoy cabbage
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 medium to large onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil olive oil, or butter
  • 1 cup white or brown rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cans tomato soup
  • 2 small bottles of tomato juice or vegetable cocktail like V8
  • 1 small can or carton of chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cabbage: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Use a knife to carefully cut out the core of the cabbage. Place the cabbage in the boiling water, and cook for 5-8 minutes, gently peeling off each leaf with tongs as it becomes tender. Place the leaves aside to cool.
  • Cook the Rice: In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.
  • Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Incorporate the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions, eggs, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, tucking in the edges to keep the filling secure.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, combine the tomato soup, tomato juice (or vegetable cocktail), and chicken broth. Stir well.
  • Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Place a layer of cabbage rolls in the pot with the tomato sauce, then layer more rolls on top, ensuring they’re covered by the sauce. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat, until the rolls are tender and flavors are well blended.
  • Serve: Carefully remove the rolls from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the rolls for extra flavor, and serve hot.
Keyword homestyle cabbage rolls

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