Introduction

Cabbage rolls, a culinary gem hailing from Poland, have become a global sensation, finding their way to dinner tables far and wide. This recipe is an ode to the traditional stuffed cabbage roll, where each bite promises a flavorful blend of ground meat and rice enveloped in a tangy tomato embrace. With a twist of the slow cooker magic, these cabbage rolls deliver a satisfyingly hearty meal that will leave your family craving for more.

Ingredients

Quality Ground Beef: Utilize lean ground beef, ensuring a rich, savory flavor.

Fresh Green Cabbage: Opt for a sizable green cabbage, ensuring an ample supply of leaves.

Filling Mixture: Combine breadcrumbs, uncooked instant rice, diced green bell pepper, large egg, onion soup mix, finely diced shallots, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper for a mouthwatering filling.

Cooking Sauce: Enhance the flavor with tomato soup and a can of Rotel tomatoes, choosing the spice level to suit your taste.

Seasonings: Salt and pepper, to taste.

Cooking Steps

Step One – Cabbage Prep:

Carefully remove the cabbage stem, blanch the cabbage in salted boiling water, and extract 12 large leaves. Trim the stems for pliability.

Step Two – Filling Creation:

In a large bowl, blend tomato sauce, rice, green bell pepper, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, onion mix, seasonings, breadcrumbs, egg, and ground beef. Hand mixing ensures thorough incorporation.

Step Three – Roll Assembly:

Place 1/3 cup of the mixture on a cabbage leaf, fold the sides, and create a burrito-style roll. Arrange six rolls in the slow cooker, adding Rotel and tomato soup between layers.

Step Four – Slow Cooking Bliss:

Cook on low for 6-7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley for a finishing touch.

How to Serve

Spoon the sauce over the cabbage rolls when serving, and consider adding a dollop of sour cream for an extra flair. These rolls stand alone as a complete meal but pair wonderfully with salad, mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread.

Recipe Queries

Meat Substitutes: Experiment with pork, sausage, chicken, turkey, or venison for diverse flavors.

Leftover Cabbage: Sauté remaining blanched cabbage with onion and bacon for a tasty side dish.

Rice Variations: Opt for Minute brand brown rice as a wholesome alternative.

Spicy Twist: Introduce spicy elements like ground sausage, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips

Soak sour cabbage to reduce saltiness.

Mix various ground meats for a diverse flavor profile.

Hand mixing ensures even ingredient distribution.