Savory Cabbage Rolls 🎉🥬

These delightful cabbage rolls are a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Stuffed with a savory mixture of beef and rice, they’re topped with a tangy tomato sauce that brings everything together for a scrumptious experience. Enjoy them with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal! 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the filling

• 12 cabbage leaves
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper

For the sauce

• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil the cabbage leaves for about 2 minutes, then drain.

   💧 Tip: If you want to make the leaves easier to roll, you can freeze the whole head of cabbage overnight. Just let it thaw slightly, and the leaves will peel off easily!

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, beaten egg, milk, minced onion, ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

3. Take one cabbage leaf and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends to secure the filling.

   🔄 Suggestion: Experiment with different fillings by adding diced vegetables or switching up your protein (like ground turkey or pork) for a unique twist!

4. Place the rolled cabbage in a slow cooker, seam side down.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.

6. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours until the rolls are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

   ⏳ Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook them on High for about 4-5 hours instead, but the Low setting will yield a richer flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of diced vegetables and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option! 🌱
• Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.
• Herbed: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to your filling. It adds a lovely freshness to the rolls! 🌿
• Freezer Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze some for later. Just assemble and freeze before cooking, then simply pop them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to enjoy!

Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to roll up some comfort food magic! 🎊