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Welcome to the delightful world of Meatball Stuffed Whole Cabbage, a dish that beautifully combines comfort and nourishment. This recipe showcases a whole head of cabbage, lovingly packed with a savory meatball filling that will leave your taste buds dancing. The appeal of this meal lies not only in its hearty flavor but also in its stunning presentation; a whole cabbage stuffed with a delicious mixture becomes an impressive centerpiece for any family gathering or dinner party.

Meatball Stuffed Whole Cabbage

Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Meatball Stuffed Whole Cabbage! This recipe features savory meatballs nestled inside tender cabbage leaves, creating a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Packed with nutrients and perfect for sharing, this dish is a culinary tradition across various cultures. Enjoy the combination of juicy meat and vibrant cabbage, all topped with a delicious marinara sauce. Try it tonight! #StuffedCabbage #ComfortFood #Meatballs #HealthyEating #CulinaryTradition
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Ingredients
  

1 large head of green cabbage

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup cooked rice

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

24 oz marinara sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, diced

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and gently place the whole cabbage in the boiling water. Blanch for about 5-7 minutes or until the leaves start to soften. Remove from water and let it cool. Peel off the outer layers of the cabbage, keeping them intact for stuffing.

    Make the Meatball Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.

      Stuff the Cabbage: Take a handful of the meat mixture and form it into a ball. Place the meatball at the base of a cabbage leaf and fold the sides over the meatball, then roll it up to form a tight package. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.

        Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add marinara sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.

          Assemble the Dish: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, layer some marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down in the pot. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.

            Bake the Cabbage: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

              Serve: Carefully remove the cabbage from the pot. Plate the stuffed cabbage with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6