Tangy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Stew with Meatballs

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Tangy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Stew with Meatballs is a heartwarming dish that brings together tender cabbage and juicy meatballs in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for non-vegetarians, this American cuisine classic is a comforting twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. The unique flavor profile, featuring hints of lemon and honey, makes it versatile for family dinners or meal prep.

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Overview

This Sweet and Sour Unstuffed Cabbage Stew with Meatballs is a comforting family heirloom recipe. It combines tender cabbage, juicy meatballs, and a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, making it a delightful twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.

Diet Type

Non-Vegetarian

Allergies

Eggs

Cuisine

American

Serving Size: 10

Cooking Time: 180 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) vegetable oil
• 3 Whole onions, sliced
• 1 28 Ounces (oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 15 Ounces (oz) can tomato sauce
• 1.5 Teaspoons (tsp) salt
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) ground black pepper
• 2 Pounds (lb) green cabbage, divided
• 2 Pounds (lb) lean ground beef
• 1 Whole onion, minced
• 2 Whole eggs
• 3 Tablespoons (tbsp) water
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) instant white rice
• 1.5 Teaspoons (tsp) salt
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) ground black pepper
• 3 Tablespoons (tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 0.33 Cup golden raisins
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) honey
• 0.5 Cup packed brown sugar, or to taste

Steps

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir the sliced onions in the hot oil until transparent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the whole peeled tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot, using a spoon to slightly break up the whole tomatoes. Season with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the cabbage chunks. Cover and simmer until the cabbage is tender and mixes easily with the tomatoes, about 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, eggs, water, instant rice, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper. Mix together with your hands until thoroughly blended. Form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a plate; refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm.
5. Place the meatballs on the surface of the tomato mixture. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the meatballs are firm and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Gently stir the meatballs into the tomato mixture. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for 45 minutes more.
6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding additional lemon juice if needed. Stir in the raisins and honey. Add the brown sugar a little at a time, tasting after each addition. Cook the stew over medium heat for 15 minutes more.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy family meal!