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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A comforting dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing. Easy to make and perfect for family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For cooking onions
  • 3 whole onions, sliced Adds sweetness and flavor
  • 28 ounces can whole peeled tomatoes For the tomato base
  • 15 ounces can tomato sauce For additional sauce
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt To taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper To taste

For the meatballs

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef Main protein of the dish
  • 1 whole onion, finely chopped Adds flavor to meat mixture
  • 2 whole eggs Bind the mixture
  • 3 tablespoons water To moisten the mixture
  • 2 tablespoons instant white rice Helps to absorb moisture
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt To taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper To taste

For finishing touches

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice For acidity and brightness
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins Adds sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon honey For additional sweetness
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar Adjust to taste for sweetness

For the cabbage

  • 2 pounds green cabbage, cored and cut into 3-inch chunks Base of the dish

Instructions
 

Prepare the sauce

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onions in hot oil until transparent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, using a spoon to slightly break up the whole tomatoes. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the cabbage

  • Stir in cabbage. Cover and simmer until cabbage is tender and mixes easily with tomatoes, about 1 hour.

Make the meatballs

  • Meanwhile, combine ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, water, rice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix together with your hands until thoroughly blended.
  • Form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a plate. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.

Combine and simmer

  • Place the meatballs on top of the tomato mixture. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the meatballs are firm and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Gently stir the meatballs into the tomato mixture. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for 45 minutes more.

Final touches

  • Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding more lemon juice if needed.
  • Mix in raisins and honey. Add brown sugar a little at a time, tasting after each addition. Cook the stew over medium heat for another 15 minutes.

Notes

Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Consider sprinkling extra lemon juice for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10g
Keyword Beef Dish, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Meal, Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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