Cabbage Unrolled
A comforting casserole featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and rice, all simmered in tomato and beef broth for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place one-third of the chopped cabbage in a large Dutch oven.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper; form into meatballs.
- Place half of the meatballs on top of the cabbage in the Dutch oven.
- Cover with another one-third of the cabbage and the remaining meatballs.
- Top with the remaining one-third of the cabbage.
- Pour tomato puree and beef broth over all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or oregano to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Additionally, adding grated carrot or bell pepper to the cabbage layers can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. This recipe can be made ahead of time and is excellent for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cabbage Unrolled with a dollop of sour cream on top and a side of crusty bread to soak up the juices. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving alongside a warm bowl of soup, like Souper Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Unrolled contains roughly 769 calories, with 22g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like lentils for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times slightly if using a different protein to ensure it's fully cooked.
How can I prevent the cabbage from getting too soggy?
To prevent soggy cabbage, ensure you don't overcook it during the simmering phase. You can also briefly sauté the chopped cabbage in a skillet before layering, which helps retain its texture and adds a bit of flavor.
Can I freeze Cabbage Unrolled?
Yes, you can freeze Cabbage Unrolled! Cool it completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or microwave.
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).