Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 12 to 14 large cabbage leaves
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by preparing the cabbage leaves. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the cabbage leaves.
- Boil the cabbage leaves for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and pliable. This makes rolling much easier.
- Drain the cabbage leaves and set them aside to cool slightly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and all the seasonings.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of seasonings throughout the meat mixture.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture near the stem end.
- Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Pour a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Carefully place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker, layering if necessary.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours