How To Make Ground Beef Cabbage Rolls Like A Pro: A Step-by-step Guide

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of ground beef cabbage rolls, a culinary delight that blends succulent ground beef with tender cabbage leaves. This blog post will guide you through the art of creating these savory rolls, providing step-by-step instructions and insider tips to ensure a delectable outcome.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

• Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut out the core.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes, or until they become pliable.
• Remove the leaves from the boiling water and drain them on paper towels.

2. Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, carrots, rice, egg, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Assemble the Rolls

• Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
• Spoon about 1/2 cup of the filling into the center of the leaf.
• Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly.
• Tuck the ends of the leaf under the roll to secure it.

4. Brown the Rolls

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the cabbage rolls to the skillet and brown them on all sides.
• This step helps to seal in the flavors and create a crispy exterior.

5. Simmer

• Transfer the browned cabbage rolls to a large pot or Dutch oven.
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls.
• Bring the liquid to a simmer and cover the pot.
• Simmer the cabbage rolls for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

6. Serve

• Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, remove them from the pot and place them on a serving platter.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
• Serve the cabbage rolls hot with your favorite sides.

Tips

• Use a variety of vegetables in your filling to add flavor and texture.
• Add a dash of paprika or chili powder to the filling for a spicy kick.
• If you don’t have cooked rice, you can use uncooked rice and add an extra 1/2 cup of beef broth to the simmering liquid.
• Don’t overcook the cabbage rolls, as they will become mushy.
• Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Variations

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or lentils.
• Turkey Cabbage Rolls: Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
• Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Fill the cabbage leaves with a mixture of ground beef, rice, vegetables, and herbs.
• Creamy Cabbage Rolls: Top the cabbage rolls with a creamy sauce made from sour cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze cabbage rolls before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, blanch the cabbage leaves and assemble the rolls but do not brown them. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the cooking instructions as usual.

Q: How can I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart?
A: Make sure to blanch the cabbage leaves before rolling to soften them. Also, tuck the ends of the leaves under the roll securely to keep the filling in place.

Q: What can I do if my cabbage rolls are too sour?
A: The acidity of the tomato sauce can sometimes make the cabbage rolls too sour. To balance the flavors, add a pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of baking soda to the simmering liquid.