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Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cabbage
  • 1 1/2 cups finely diced onion, divided
  • 1 Tbsp. butter, ghee, olive oil, coconut oil, Earth Balance (use oil or Earth Balance for dairy free)
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans organic crushed tomatoes with basil (or Italian diced tomatoes)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp coconut palm sugar or other sweetener
  • 2 Tbsp coconut palm sugar or other sweetener
  • 1 tsp sea salt, divided
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (for grain-free, increase mushrooms)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (I used unsweetened ketchup)
  • 2 Tbsp gluten free Worcestershire sauce (I used Lea and Perrins brand)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 lb. ground beef, bison or turkey (if using turkey use lean not extra lean)
  • 1/4 lb. Italian sausage (I used chicken sausage)
  • 1/2 cup V8 juice, optional (I didn't use)

Instructions
 

  • In a Dutch oven, cook cabbage in boiling water for 10 minutes or until outer leaves are tender. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain. Remove eight large outer leaves (refrigerate remaining cabbage for another use) and set aside.
  • Meanwhile in a large saucepan, saute 1 cup onion in butter/oil until tender. Add the tomatoes, garlic, sweetener and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and remaining onion and salt. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture, add in mushrooms and mix well.
  • Remove thick vein from cabbage leaves for easier rolling. Place about 1/2 cup meat mixture on each leaf; fold in sides. Starting at an unfolded edge, roll up leaf to completely enclose filling. Place seam side down in a skillet. Top with the sauce.
  • Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 hour. Add V8 juice if desired. Reduce heat to low; cook 20 minutes longer or until rolls are heated through and a thermometer inserted in the filling reads 160°.