Description
Gluten-free stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty and comforting dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for family meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves. Blanch leaves for 2–3 minutes until pliable, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar (if using).
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold sides inward and roll tightly.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce mixture on the bottom of a large baking dish or Dutch oven.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining tomato sauce mixture over the top to cover the rolls.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 1 hour, until rolls are tender and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use red cabbage if desired, but blanch longer for pliability.Make it vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.Add chili flakes for a spicy version.Prepare the rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.Freezes well—cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
