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Classic Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Bacon

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Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Favorite

Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or taking them to a potluck, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe combines the savory richness of ground beef and bacon with the wholesome goodness of rice and vegetables, all wrapped up in tender cabbage leaves and smothered in a sweet-tangy tomato sauce. Perfectly baked to perfection, these cabbage rolls are satisfying, full of flavor, and sure to make everyone ask for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Let’s dive into this family favorite!


Recipe Details

Recipe Name Cabbage Rolls
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Recipe Category Oven-baked
Servings 12 cabbage rolls
Difficulty Easy
Cuisine Comfort food
Keywords cabbage rolls, ground beef, rice, easy dinner, oven recipe, family favorite
Calories per Serving 172 calories

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Ground beef 1 lb
Long grain rice 1/4 cup
Egg 1
Onion (finely chopped) 1 medium
Carrot (grated) 1 medium
Salt 1/2 tsp
Fresh ground pepper 1/4 tsp
Bacon (chopped) 6 slices
Cabbage leaves (blanched) 12 large leaves
Brown sugar 1 tbsp
Lemon juice 1/4 cup
Tomato sauce 1 can (15 oz)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 172 kcal
Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 43.9 mg
Sodium 375.8 mg
Carbohydrates 16.3 g
Fiber 1.2 g
Sugar 11.3 g
Protein 9 g

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, salt, and freshly ground pepper. For an extra savory touch, add in the chopped bacon. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. The bacon will add a smoky flavor that really enhances the overall taste of the rolls.

  2. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
    Carefully remove 12 large leaves from the cabbage. If the leaves are difficult to separate, you can blanch the cabbage in boiling water for a few seconds to soften them. This makes them easier to roll without tearing. Once the cabbage leaves are prepared, trim off any tough stem sections that might interfere with rolling.

  3. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves
    Take each cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Be generous with the filling, ensuring that each roll is hearty and satisfying. Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, securing the mixture inside. Repeat for all 12 cabbage leaves, making sure each one is sealed well.

  4. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
    Place the rolled cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in a greased baking dish. Arrange them snugly together, ensuring that they are packed tightly enough to hold their shape during baking.

  5. Prepare the Sauce
    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, lemon juice, and tomato sauce. This combination creates a tangy-sweet sauce that will complement the savory rolls perfectly. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure each roll is generously covered. The sauce will seep into the cabbage and meat, infusing the rolls with flavor as they bake.

  6. Bake the Cabbage Rolls
    Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour. This allows the cabbage rolls to cook through and soak up the flavors from the sauce. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, uncovered, to allow the top of the rolls to get slightly golden and caramelized.

  7. Serve and Enjoy
    Once done, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. The delicious aroma will have everyone eagerly anticipating the first bite. Serve the cabbage rolls with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad, and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love!


Tips for Success

  • Double or Triple the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for doubling or tripling if you’re serving a crowd. Simply increase the amount of ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate more rolls.

  • Add a Touch of Spice: If you like your cabbage rolls with a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. It’s an easy way to spice up this classic dish.

  • Make-Ahead Option: Cabbage rolls can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just pour the sauce over the rolls, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the rolls to come to room temperature before popping them into the oven.

  • Freezer-Friendly: Cabbage rolls freeze wonderfully! Once they’ve cooled, simply wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap or store them in airtight containers. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a little extra time to ensure they’re heated through.


Final Thoughts

This cabbage roll recipe is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. With a perfect balance of savory beef, bacon, and rice, all enveloped in tender cabbage and covered in a sweet-and-tangy sauce, these rolls are a meal that satisfies both heart and soul. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or bringing them to a potluck, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re easily customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your personal tastes. So, give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that will bring joy to everyone around the table.


More Recipe Ideas You Might Love

  • Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • Hearty Meatball Soup
  • Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
  • Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread
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