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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, simmered then baked in a rich tomato sauce. A classic Polish comfort dish that is perfect for a hearty family meal.

120 minMediumServes 4360 cal/serving

PolishDinnerStovetop and OvenStandardGluten-FreeDairy-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 large green cabbage head
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1/2 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 cans canned tomato sauce
  • 1 can canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup gluten-free beef broth
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from 1 large green cabbage head and submerge the whole head. As the outer leaves soften (about 2-3 minutes each), peel them off with tongs. You need about 10-12 leaves. Pat dry and trim any thick center ribs flat with a knife.

  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook 1 finely diced yellow onion until softened, about 5 minutes, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more. Let cool slightly.

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15), 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, the cooked onion and garlic, 1 beaten large egg, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp sweet paprika. Mix gently until just combined.

  5. 5

    In a separate bowl, stir together 2 cans canned tomato sauce, 1 can canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup gluten-free beef broth, and 1 tsp granulated sugar. Spread about a third of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  6. 6

    Place about 3 tablespoons of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in, then roll up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.

  7. 7

    Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes, until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the rice is tender. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to lightly caramelize the sauce.

  8. 8

    Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Questions

What oven temperature does Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice need?

For Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 2. The longest stretch at that heat is 1 hour, in step 7. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 7. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know when Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 7: cook until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the rice is tender. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Why does Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice say not to overmix?

Step 4 reads: "Mix gently until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 4 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice uses 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15).

Is Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the beef broth.

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