The Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage Recipe is warm, cozy and very comforting. It feels like home food. This dish has soft cabbage leaves filled with tasty meat and rice.
Everything cooks slowly in a rich tomato sauce. If you love simple comfort meals, this recipe is perfect.
Many people search for Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage Recipe because it is easy and filling. Today, I will share how to make Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage step by step using easy words.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this recipe on a cold evening. I wanted something warm and filling. The smell filled my kitchen fast.
The cabbage became very soft. The filling stayed juicy and rich. Everyone at home loved it. Even picky eaters asked for more.
This recipe feels special but simple. It is great for family dinners. I now make it often for guests too.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage
- Green cabbage, 1 large head
- Ground beef, 1 pound
- Cooked white rice, 1 cup
- Onion, 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic cloves, 2, minced
- Tomato sauce, 2 cups
- Crushed tomatoes, 1 cup
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Salt, 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Sugar, 1 tablespoon
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons, chopped
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Fill a large pot with water and boil it. Remove outer cabbage leaves. Place the whole cabbage inside. Cook for ten minutes. Leaves will soften. Remove carefully and cool.
2. Make the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft. Add ground beef. Cook until brown. Stir often. Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling
Put cooked beef into a bowl. Add cooked rice, salt, pepper and paprika. Mix well. Everything should blend evenly. The mixture should feel moist but not wet.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and sugar. Stir well. This sauce gives sweet and rich flavor. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
5. Fill the Cabbage Leaves
Take one cabbage leaf. Place two tablespoons of filling inside. Fold sides in. Roll tightly. Repeat with all leaves. Place rolls seam side down.
6. Assemble the Dish
Spread some sauce at the bottom of baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls on top. Pour remaining sauce over rolls. Cover dish tightly with foil.
7. Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 75 minutes. The rolls should be tender. Sauce should bubble gently. Remove foil for last ten minutes if desired.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage
- Use large cabbage leaves for easy rolling
- Do not overfill the leaves
- Let filling cool before rolling
- Cover tightly to keep moisture inside
- Add extra sauce if cabbage looks dry
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using raw rice instead of cooked rice
- Skipping the sugar in tomato sauce
- Overcooking cabbage before rolling
- Rolling too loose or too tight
- Forgetting to cover while baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed cabbage hot with crusty bread. Mashed potatoes work great on the side. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad.
A spoon of sour cream on top tastes amazing. This dish is perfect for family dinners or Sunday meals.
Variations You Can Try
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Add grated carrot to filling
- Use brown rice for extra fiber
- Add herbs like dill or thyme
- Make it spicy with chili flakes
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container
- Keep in fridge up to four days
- Reheat in oven at 325°F
- Microwave individual portions gently
- Add extra sauce before reheating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Health Benefits
Cabbage is rich in fiber and vitamins. It helps digestion and supports gut health. This recipe also gives protein from beef and rice.
When eaten in balance, it is filling and nourishing. Homemade meals like this are better than processed foods.
Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- Green cabbage 1 large head
- Ground beef 1 pound
- Cooked white rice 1 cup
- Onion 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic cloves 2, minced
- Tomato sauce 2 cups
- Crushed tomatoes 1 cup
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper ½ teaspoon
- Paprika 1 teaspoon
- Sugar 1 tablespoon
- Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
- Fill a large pot with water and boil it. Remove outer cabbage leaves. Place the whole cabbage inside. Cook for ten minutes. Leaves will soften. Remove carefully and cool.
Make the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft. Add ground beef. Cook until brown. Stir often. Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
Mix the Filling
- Put cooked beef into a bowl. Add cooked rice, salt, pepper and paprika. Mix well. Everything should blend evenly. The mixture should feel moist but not wet.
Prepare the Sauce
- In another bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and sugar. Stir well. This sauce gives sweet and rich flavor. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Fill the Cabbage Leaves
- Take one cabbage leaf. Place two tablespoons of filling inside. Fold sides in. Roll tightly. Repeat with all leaves. Place rolls seam side down.
Assemble the Dish
- Spread some sauce at the bottom of baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls on top. Pour remaining sauce over rolls. Cover dish tightly with foil.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 75 minutes. The rolls should be tender. Sauce should bubble gently. Remove foil for last ten minutes if desired.
Notes
- Use large cabbage leaves for easy rolling
- Do not overfill the leaves
- Let filling cool before rolling
- Cover tightly to keep moisture inside
- Add extra sauce if cabbage looks dry
FAQs about Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage
Can I make Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls one day earlier. Store them covered in the fridge. Bake the next day. This helps flavors develop even better.
What type of cabbage works best for this recipe?
Green cabbage works best. It has large leaves and softens well. Savoy cabbage also works but cooks faster.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, freeze them after baking and cooling. Store in freezer-safe containers. They keep well for up to two months.
How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?
Roll tightly and place seam side down. Also, avoid overfilling. Covering while baking helps keep shape.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes, kids love the soft texture and mild flavor. You can reduce spices if needed.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage Recipe is comforting and easy. It uses simple ingredients and clear steps. This dish is perfect for family meals.
If you want a cozy dinner, try this recipe. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage at home. Gather your ingredients and enjoy cooking today.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!