Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place a cabbage leaf on a clean work surface. Cut out the thick stem at the bottom of the leaf.
   • Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up from the bottom to enclose the filling completely.
   • Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
   • Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
   • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the stuffed cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
   • Serve hot, spooning additional tomato sauce over the rolls.

Tips

• Meat Variations: You can use all beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Rice: Leftover rice works great for this recipe. You can also use brown rice for added nutrition.
• Freezing: These cabbage rolls freeze well. Assemble them and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

These Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this timeless classic!