Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Beef Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.1. Start by blanching the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they become pliable. Remove and set aside.
• STEP 2.2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• STEP 3.3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
• STEP 4.4. In a large pot, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
• STEP 5.5. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
• STEP 6.6. Serve the Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef hot, garnished with fresh parsley. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of rice or bread.
• STEP 7.7. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Cooking Tips

• To make the cabbage leaves easier to work with, you can remove the tough center rib by cutting a V-shaped notch at the base of each leaf.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• For added flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the beef mixture.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add more cinnamon or allspice for a stronger flavor.
• If you have any leftover filling, you can use it to stuff bell peppers or zucchini for another delicious meal.

Storage and Serving

• These Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef can be served as a main dish accompanied by a side of rice or bread.
• They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the rolls in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.