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Cabbage and Beef Bundles

Cabbage and Beef Bundles
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Cabbage and Beef Bundles are tender, savory parcels of ground beef and cooked rice wrapped in soft, blanched cabbage leaves. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they offer a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare, nutritious, and ideal for batch cooking. This versatile dish can be customized with various spices, herbs, or alternative proteins to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 large fresh green cabbage leaves
  • 1 pound lean or medium-fat ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage leaves: Select large, fresh green cabbage leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes until they soften, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking and retain their vibrant green color.
  2. Make the beef filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, removing excess fat if necessary. Mix in cooked rice, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices, ensuring everything is well combined and flavorful.
  3. Assemble the bundles: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the beef mixture near the stem end. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly like a burrito, tucking in any loose edges to seal the bundle securely.
  4. Simmer in tomato sauce: Pour tomato sauce into a large skillet or pot. Carefully place the bundles seam-side down in the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cabbage to become tender without boiling.
  5. Serve warm: Remove bundles from the sauce and plate them. Spoon extra tomato sauce over the top if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm cabbage leaves to prevent tearing during assembly and cooking.
  • Do not overfill the bundles to ensure they stay sealed while simmering.
  • Cook rice ahead of time; cold, day-old rice prevents mushiness in the filling.
  • Simmer gently rather than boiling to keep cabbage leaves intact and fillings juicy.
  • Allow bundles to rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices for a tender bite.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, beef bundles, stuffed cabbage, easy dinner, family meal, batch cooking, gluten-free, hearty meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cabbage-and-beef-bundles/