Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, cored
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cored cabbage and cook until the outer leaves are pliable, about 10 minutes. Remove the cabbage from the pot and set aside to cool.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, stirring frequently to break it up into small pieces.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice to the beef mixture and stir well to combine.
6. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves from the head. Lay the leaves out flat and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each leaf, near the base. Fold the sides of the leaves over the filling, then roll up from the bottom to create stuffed cabbage rolls.
7. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the crushed tomatoes with water and the 1/4 cup uncooked rice to make the sauce. Spread a thin layer of the sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls, then cover the baking dish with foil.
8. Bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions:

This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful blend of ground beef and rice makes for a filling and satisfying dish. The rich tomato sauce adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the savory filling.

Serve the stuffed cabbage hot, garnished with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese if desired. This dish can be enjoyed on its own as a main course, or served with crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal. It also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.