Cabbage Roll With Sour Cream Sauce
Juicy cabbage rolls filled with savory beef, rice, and vegetables, baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with sour cream for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef and diced onion in 2 tablespoons of fat in a large skillet over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in diced celery, cooked rice, beaten egg, and prepared mustard.
- Cook cabbage leaves in boiling water for 3 minutes; drain.
- Place beef mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf, then roll up and fasten with toothpicks.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls close together in a greased 11 1/2 x 7 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Pour tomato puree and water over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the rolls from the oven, then stir sour cream into the pan liquids.
- Serve the cabbage rolls with the sour cream sauce spooned over them.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like dill or parsley into the beef mixture. If you want a vegetarian version, try using lentils or quinoa instead of ground beef. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls on a platter drizzled with the sour cream sauce, and consider pairing them with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Veg-All Soup for a comforting dinner option. For a heartier meal, try serving with Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be microwaved for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Roll With Sour Cream Sauce contains roughly 628 calories, with 18g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg per serving (60% 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 prepare these cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a day ahead. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats.
Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Cabbage rolls freeze well. Assemble them and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes.
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).