Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite! These Maple-Glazed Cabbage Rolls bring a touch of sweetness to a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings. The maple syrup adds an unexpected depth of flavor that's sure to make this a family favorite.
The star of the show is obviously the cabbage. Its leaves become tender and pliable after a quick boil, making them ideal for wrapping around our savory filling. The ground beef provides a hearty, protein-rich base. With white rice adding bulk and texture, it's a filling meal. The onion and garlic bring aromatic depth to the filling, while the egg acts as a binder, keeping everything together.
Our glaze is where the magic happens. Maple syrup introduces a delightful sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Beef broth enriches the sauce with savory notes, while a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and complexity. A touch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors.
These cabbage rolls pair beautifully with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a vinaigrette. For something heartier, try serving them with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows your oven to be at the perfect temperature when the rolls are ready to go in. Next, tackle the cabbage. With a sharp knife, remove the core and carefully peel off the leaves. You want them whole and intact for easy rolling. Boil the leaves in a big pot of water for about 5 minutes; this will soften them up nicely. Once done, drain and set them aside to cool.
While the cabbage is cooling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Make sure it's well combined but don't overwork the meat.
Now, it's time to roll! Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll them up tightly like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go. Arrange these snugly in a baking dish, seam-side down, so they stay put while cooking.
For the sauce, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Stir it up well, then pour it evenly over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 60 minutes.
After an hour, take off the foil and let them bake for another 15 minutes. This final step lets the tops brown slightly, adding a bit of texture to the dish.
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