Cabbage Roll

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: Eastern European

Cabbage rolls filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, then baked until tender—comforting and flavorful, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 Tbsp. onion, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. allspice
  • 1/4 cup dry rice, cooked

Instructions

  1. Dip cabbage leaves in boiling water to soften.
  2. Mix ground beef, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and cooked rice to make the filling.
  3. Place a portion of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, fastening with a toothpick if needed.
  4. Brown the cabbage rolls in butter in a skillet.
  5. Transfer the browned rolls to a casserole dish.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the meat mixture. If you want a healthier twist, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from dishes like Luca's Rice. Ensure the cabbage leaves are tender but not overcooked to maintain their structure when rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness. They pair well with crusty bread or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of Goulash With Green Peppers And Noodles to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of broth or tomato sauce to keep them moist, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cabbage Roll contains roughly 72 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2119mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).

72 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 10.5g 4% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2119.2mg 92% DV
Potassium 465.3mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 10.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 242.9mcg 27% DV
Vitamin C 29.8mg 33% DV
Calcium 121.5mg 9% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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 cabbage rolls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare cabbage rolls a day ahead. Assemble them and store in the fridge before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure they're heated through. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I use instead of cabbage?

If you're looking for an alternative, consider using Swiss chard or collard greens, which also have large leaves that can be rolled. Additionally, you can make a deconstructed version by layering the filling in a baking dish without rolling, which saves time.

How can I make the filling more flavorful?

To enhance the filling's flavor, try adding garlic, chopped bell peppers, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or paprika for a different twist. This will add depth to the dish, making it even more delicious.

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).

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