Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering Eastern European comfort food! These slow-cooked cabbage rolls are not just a meal; they're a culinary journey that promises to transport you to a world of rich, hearty flavors. Imagine tender cabbage leaves lovingly wrapped around a savory beef and rice mixture, slowly simmering in a luscious tomato sauce for hours – this is the ultimate dish that will have your family begging for seconds and your taste buds dancing with joy!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Core the cabbage head and carefully remove the outer leaves by blanching in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Take each cabbage leaf and place a portion of the meat mixture near the stem end, folding in the sides and rolling tightly to create a compact cabbage roll.
- Grease the slow cooker insert with a light coating of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker, creating layers if necessary.
- Pour tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring each roll is partially covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours until the meat is fully cooked and cabbage is tender.
- Once done, carefully remove cabbage rolls and serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top if desired.
Tips
- Blanching Technique: When removing cabbage leaves, ensure you blanch them just until they're soft and pliable. Overcooking can make them tear easily.
- Meat Mixture Magic: Mix the ground beef and other ingredients thoroughly but gently to keep the filling tender and well-incorporated.
- Rolling Secrets: When rolling cabbage rolls, fold in the sides first to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Slow Cooker Setup: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layering Matters: If you need to create multiple layers of cabbage rolls, make sure to pour some tomato sauce between layers to ensure even cooking and extra flavor.
- Sauce Coverage: Ensure each cabbage roll is partially covered with tomato sauce for maximum moisture and flavor infusion.
- Cooking Time: Stick to the 6-hour low and slow cooking method to achieve perfectly tender cabbage and fully cooked meat.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot with an extra spoonful of sauce on top for maximum deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
