Cabbage Pillows
Cabbage pillows are tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory beef and rice, baked in a tangy tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they are soft enough to roll, or microwave 4 or 5 leaves at a time for about 1 1/2 minutes to soften.
- Mix together ground beef, rice, egg, and chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a small amount of the beef mixture on a cabbage leaf, then roll up and seal the ends with a round toothpick.
- Repeat until all the rice mixture is used.
- Spread sauerkraut in the bottom of a small roaster or baking dish.
- Arrange the cabbage pillows on top of the sauerkraut.
- Pour canned tomato wedges over the cabbage pillows and sauerkraut.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
- If the sauerkraut is very dry, add a little tomato juice as extra liquid before the final baking period.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding garlic or herbs like dill to the beef mixture. If ground beef isn't available, ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter substitute. To save time, use pre-packaged coleslaw mix instead of chopping fresh cabbage leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cabbage pillows with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the dish. A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances the flavors. You can also pair this dish with a glass of fruity red wine for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage pillows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Pillows contains roughly 475 calories, with 17g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2208mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage pillows and assemble the dish in advance. Cover and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of sauerkraut?
If you don't have sauerkraut, you can substitute it with shredded cabbage mixed with vinegar and a little sugar for tanginess, or use coleslaw mix for a different texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
To avoid tearing, ensure you soften the cabbage leaves adequately in boiling water or the microwave. Also, use a sharp knife to cut the leaves off the head of cabbage, and handle them gently while rolling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).