Classic Cabbage Rolls

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min.

Cook: 1-1/2 hours

YIELD: 4 servings.

I've always enjoyed cabbage rolls but didn't make them since most methods were too complicated. This recipe is fairly simple and results in the best cabbage rolls. My husband, Sid, requests them often. They're terrific to share at gatherings with our children and grandchildren. —Beverly Zehner, McMinnville, Oregon

Ingredients:

1 medium head cabbage

1-1/2 cups chopped onion, divided

1 tablespoon butter

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian stewed tomatoes

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

1 cup cooked rice

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

1/4 pound bulk Italian sausage

1/2 cup V8 juice, optional

Directions:

1. In a Dutch oven, cook cabbage in boiling water for 10 minutes or until outer leaves are tender; drain. Rinse in cold water; drain. Remove 8 large outer leaves (refrigerate remaining cabbage for another use); set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, saute 1 cup onion in butter until tender. Add the tomatoes, garlic, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and remaining onion and salt. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture and mix well.

4. 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.

5. 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°.

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