Main Dishes

Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Classic Old Fashioned, and Local Woman Missing

October 19, 2025
editor
Indulge in an evening of rich storytelling and flavors with the pairing of 'Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls' and Mary Kubica's suspenseful novel 'Local Woman Missing'. The heartiness and warmth of the cabbage rolls complement the mystery and intrigue in the book, creating a cocoon of comfort and suspense. Complement this journey with a classic Old Fashioned cocktail, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your evening. Together, they create a multifaceted experience, intertwining the layers of a mystery narrative with deliciously layered flavors in both the food and drink.
Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Boil for about 2-3 minutes, then gently peel off the softened outer leaves with tongs. Continue boiling and peeling the leaves until you have about 12-14 large leaves. Set the leaves aside to cool.

Make the Filling:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

  • Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the stem end to the top, tucking in the sides as you roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

  • Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the saucepan with the simmering sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the beef is fully cooked. Occasionally spoon some of the sauce over the rolls as they cook.

Serve:

  • Serve the Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, topped with extra sauce. Pair with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Local Woman Missing

Local Woman Missing

A gripping thriller by Mary Kubica, 'Local Woman Missing' weaves together multiple perspectives to unravel the mystery of women who vanish from a small town.
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER—OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD! "Dark and twisty, with white-knuckle tension and jaw-dropping surprises." —Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of Home Before Dark In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense Mary Kubica, author of Just the Nicest Couple, takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried. People don't just disappear without a trace… Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold. Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they'll find… Don't miss Mary Kubica's chilling upcoming novel, She's Not Sorry, where an ICU nurse accidentally uncovers a patient's frightening past… Look for these other edge-of-your-seat thrillers by New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica: The Good Girl The Other Mrs. Just The Nicest Couple She's Not Sorry It's Not Her

Discussion Questions

  • What do you think motivates the characters' actions in the story?
  • How does the narrative structure, alternating between time periods and perspectives, affect your understanding of the plot?
  • What role does the setting play in the development of the suspenseful atmosphere?
  • How are the themes of fear and trust explored in the novel?
  • In what ways do the characters' secrets drive the plot forward?
  • Discuss the impact of family dynamics on the events in the story.
  • What did you think of the author's portrayal of mental health in the book?
  • How does the book address the theme of truth and perception?
  • In what ways does the ending meet or defy your expectations?
  • How does the novel compare to other thrillers you've read?
Authors: Mary Kubica
ISBN: 9780778311669
Publisher: Harlequin
Published Date: 2021-05-18

Classic Old Fashioned

Classic Old Fashioned
A timeless cocktail, the Classic Old Fashioned provides a smooth and slightly sweet balance to complement the rich flavors of Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Its bold bourbon base, accented with bitters and orange, pairs beautifully with an evening of suspenseful reading.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 sugar cube
  • Few dashes plain water
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

  • Place sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
  • Add bitters and a small splash of water, then muddle until sugar is dissolved.
  • Fill glass with ice cubes and add bourbon.
  • Garnish with an orange peel twist and a maraschino cherry.