Cabbage Rolls(Holupky)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Eastern European

Cabbage rolls are hearty, savory dishes featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned meat and rice, baked in tomato soup for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cabbage
  • 3 lb. ground meat (beef or pork)
  • 3 whole eggs
  • 1 cup raw rice
  • 3 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 0.25 lb. bacon, fried and chopped
  • 2 qt. tomato soup

Instructions

  1. Core and wash the head of cabbage, then place it in a large kettle and cover with water.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
  3. Cook the rice until tender and all water is absorbed.
  4. Drain and cool the head of cabbage.
  5. Combine the meat with the cooked rice.
  6. Cut the stiff vein from each cabbage leaf and place a small amount of meat mixture in the center.
  7. Fold the leaf over and roll it up to enclose the filling.
  8. Place the cabbage rolls in a roaster and cover with tomato soup.
  9. Cover and bake at 350°F for 2 hours.
  10. Serve hot, optionally with mashed potatoes.

Tips & Substitutions

To make rolling easier, consider blanching the cabbage leaves in hot water for a minute to soften them. If you don't have ground meat, turkey or chicken can be a leaner substitute. For a vegetarian option, use a mixture of lentils and mushrooms instead of meat. Adding herbs like dill or thyme can enhance the flavor. Serve with a side of Potato Peel Snacks for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cabbage rolls hot, drizzled with the flavorful tomato soup sauce. They pair well with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. For a hearty breakfast, consider enjoying leftovers as a filling option like Panas Or Scrapple(German Breakfast Food) to kickstart your day.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls(Holupky) contains roughly 346 calories, with 15g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1197mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

346 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.9g 30% DV
Total Fat 7g 9% DV
Carbs 64.3g 23% DV
Fiber 11.9g 42% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1197.3mg 52% DV
Potassium 953.2mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 85.1mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 264.4mg 20% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 freeze cabbage rolls before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked cabbage rolls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What can I use instead of tomato soup?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute tomato soup with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding spices like Italian seasoning or garlic can enhance the sauce's flavor. Alternatively, using vegetable broth mixed with tomato paste can create a lighter sauce.

How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?

To prevent tearing, ensure you cook the cabbage just until it's wilted; overcooking can make the leaves mushy. Removing the thick vein on each leaf also helps. If a leaf does tear, use it as a base in the roaster and layer the filling on top to maintain the dish's integrity.

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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