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Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage

Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage
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The Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage is hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Inspired by the elegant yet home-style cooking of Ina Garten, this dish transforms simple cabbage leaves into tender rolls filled with savory meat and rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 large green cabbage

  • 1½ pounds ground beef

  • 1 cup cooked white rice

  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water.

Boil for about 5–8 minutes, loosening leaves as they soften. Remove softened leaves with tongs and place them on a towel to cool.

Soft leaves are easier to roll without tearing.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and salt.

The sugar and vinegar balance the acidity of tomatoes.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Lay a cabbage leaf flat and trim the thick rib if necessary. Place about ¼ cup of filling near the base of the leaf.

Fold the sides inward and roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5: Arrange and Add Sauce

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.

Ensure they are fully covered to prevent drying.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes.

The cabbage should be tender and the filling cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Allow the stuffed cabbage to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Resting helps flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-stuffed-cabbage/