Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

While the name of the recipe doesn't sound like much, these hamburger stuffed cabbage rolls are so flavorful! Not only are they packed with flavor, but they are frugal to boot! A family of 5 should have no problems making these for $2, and have a few left over! Add some steamed veggies, and some homemade bread and you've got a meal (or two) around the $4 mark!

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My husband was a skeptic at first, but he now requests these quite often! I would have to say that it rates right up there as one of our favorite frugal dishes.

I prefer to start the meat mix earlier in the day, and while it is cooking up I soften the cabbage leaves. I assemble everything before hand, place it in the refrigerator and pop it in the oven when I'm ready to make dinner. It's easy!

Cabbage Rolls

12 cabbage leaves

1 pound ground beef

¾ cup-1 cup cooked brown rice

½ cup onion

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder {just a dash, or two}

Brown hamburger, chopped onion and seasonings in a skillet. While hamburger is browning soften up the cabbage leaves. You can either steam them, or place them into a pot of hot water for just a minute or so. You don't want them to be mushy, or overcooked. Just softened up enough to be bendable. Drain your hamburger and add in the cooked rice. {Tip: Leftover rice is perfect for this dish!}

When the cabbage is softened up, place about 2-3 Tbsp of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the short sides in, and roll up. Place in a 9x13 baking dish.

Sauce:

1 can diced tomatoes; undrained

3 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp vinegar

2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water

Put the tomatoes, sugar and vinegar in a saucepot and bring to a light boil. {You can also add an 8 oz can of Tomato Sauce to stretch it and make it more tomato-y} Once it is at a boil, stir in the cornstarch/water and return to boil. Remove from heat when thickened, and pour over the cabbage rolls. {If making this dish before hand, you can also mix up the sauce just prior to baking.}

Cover with aluminum foil and place in a pre-heated 350° oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

This post is linked to:

• Ultimate Recipe Swap: Favorite Recipe Edition
• Superfood Festival