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Beef Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Beef Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices? Look no further than these incredible Beef Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls! Unlike traditional stuffed cabbage rolls that can be time-consuming, this simplified version delivers all the classic taste with half the effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious, satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Eastern Europe, this recipe is about to become your new family favorite.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  5. 1 cup cooked rice
  6. 1 teaspoon paprika
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. 1 head cabbage, chopped

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside.
  2. In a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
  6. While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the chopped cabbage. Blanch the cabbage for about 3-4 minutes until it is tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
  7. In a large baking dish, layer half of the blanched cabbage on the bottom. Then, spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage.
  8. Top the beef mixture with the remaining blanched cabbage, spreading it out to cover the filling.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes.
  10. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
  11. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be served warm and pairs well with sour cream or a side of crusty bread.

Tips

  1. Choose the right cabbage: Fresh, crisp cabbage is key to this dish. Look for a head of cabbage that feels heavy and has tight, unblemished leaves.
  2. Don't overcook the cabbage: When blanching, aim for tender-crisp texture. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and lose its pleasant bite.
  3. Drain excess fat: After cooking the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  4. Season generously: Don't be shy with paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices are crucial for building deep, authentic flavor.
  5. Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
  6. Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It can be refrigerated and reheated, often tasting even better the next day!
  7. Customize your toppings: Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped parsley, or a side of crusty bread to make it your own.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 211kcal

Carbohydrates: g

Protein: g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 40mg

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