Description
Polish-inspired cabbage rolls deliver hearty comfort straight from Ree Drummond’s kitchen. Tender beef, rice, and aromatic herbs nestle inside delicate cabbage leaves, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that promises pure satisfaction for home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 cabbage leaves, large and sturdy
- ⅓ cup uncooked white rice
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed tomato soup, divided
Instructions
- Initiate rice preparation by combining grains and water in a compact saucepan. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to minimal, covering the pot. Allow the rice to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes (or until liquid is fully absorbed and grains are tender). Transfer from heat and let rest momentarily.
- Create a large, wide cooking vessel filled with salted water. Bring liquid to a rolling boil. Submerge cabbage leaves carefully, cooking for 2-4 minutes until they become pliable enough to manipulate without fracturing. Extract leaves, drain thoroughly, and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate ground beef, finely diced onion, thoroughly beaten egg, condensed tomato soup, cooked rice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend ingredients meticulously, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
- Position each cabbage leaf on a clean work surface. Portion approximately 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of beef mixture centrally on each leaf. Expertly fold leaf sides inward, then roll compactly to completely encase the filling.
- Arrange rolled cabbage packages seam-side downward in a generously sized skillet. Lavishly drench rolls with remaining tomato soup. Secure pan with a tight-fitting lid, initially bringing contents to a boil. Subsequently reduce heat, allowing rolls to simmer gently for 40 minutes. Periodically rotate and baste rolls to prevent adherence and enhance flavor complexity.
- Upon completion, transfer cabbage rolls to serving plates. Garnish with an extra spoonful of aromatic tomato sauce from the cooking pan. Serve piping hot and savor immediately.
Notes
- Slow-simmered rolls develop deeper, more complex flavors as ingredients blend and meld beautifully during cooking.
- Leftovers transform into an even more delicious meal when flavors intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
- Crusty bread or crisp salad provides perfect complementary sides that balance the rich, hearty cabbage rolls.
- Versatile recipe welcomes creative tweaks like swapping ground beef for turkey or adding unique spice blends.
- Condensed tomato soup delivers a tangy, slightly sweet undertone that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Ground beef and rice combination creates a protein-packed, satisfying filling that keeps everyone feeling full and content.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minute
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg