Cabbage Rolls With Beef
Cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned beef and rice, baked in a savory tomato sauce with a hint of lemon, perfect for hearty family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 large green cabbage leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 (1 pound) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 c. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the cabbage head into a pot of boiling water.
- Turn off the heat and let the cabbage stand in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain the cabbage leaves.
- Mix cooked rice, one chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, ground beef, and egg.
- Spoon a mound of rice mixture into the center of each cabbage leaf, tuck in the sides, and fold the ends over to secure.
- Place the stuffed cabbage leaves seam side down in a glass dish.
- Add the tomatoes, chopped onions, bouillon cubes or powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to the dish.
- Cover and bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for one hour.
- Remove the cover, add lemon juice, and continue cooking uncovered for 30 minutes longer until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the beef mixture. You can substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try replacing ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Browning the cabbage leaves can enhance their flavor and texture before stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice. They pair beautifully with a simple salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside beef recipes like Skillet Sauerbraten or Hungarian Stew With Noodles to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Rolls With Beef contains roughly 1294 calories, with 23g protein, 240g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2108mg per serving (92% 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 freeze cabbage rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze cabbage rolls before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you're ready to cook them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter option. Lentils or a mixture of beans can also be used for a healthy vegetarian alternative, ensuring the filling is flavorful with spices and herbs.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) during the last 30 minutes of baking. This will help create a richer sauce that clings to the cabbage rolls.
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).