Stuffed Cabbage with Ground Beef and Mozzarella

Stuffed cabbage, a dish that graced many dinner tables during the 80s and 90s, remains a beloved classic. With its rich flavors and impressive presentation, it evokes fond memories of family gatherings and festive occasions. Today, we bring this timeless recipe back to life, ensuring every bite is as delightful as you remember.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage

To create this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cabbage

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
Begin by cutting off the bottom of the large cabbage and removing most of the core to create a hollow center. This will make room for the delicious filling.

2. Melt Butter:
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 200 grams of unsalted butter. Once melted, drizzle the butter over the prepared cabbage and set it aside.

Preparing the Filling

3. Mix the Meat:
In a large bowl, combine 1.5 kg of ground beef, 1 tablespoon of salt, a generous pinch of black pepper, 50 grams of unsalted butter, and 2 whole eggs. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

4. Stuff the Cabbage:
Fill the hollowed-out cabbage with some of the ground beef mixture, leaving a hole in the center. Place a 200-gram piece of mozzarella cheese in the center hole and continue adding more ground beef until the cabbage is completely filled. Top the entire cabbage with the remaining meat mixture.

5. Wrap with Bacon:
Cover the stuffed cabbage with 500 grams of sliced bacon, ensuring it is fully wrapped and secure.

Baking the Stuffed Cabbage

6. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Wrap the cabbage in aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours. It’s important to monitor the baking time as it may vary depending on your oven’s power.

7. Serve:
Once done, remove the stuffed cabbage from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve the dish hot, enjoying the melted mozzarella and savory meat filling.