Cheesy Cabbage Roll-Ups
Cheesy Cabbage Roll-Ups feature tender cabbage leaves filled with savory ground beef and cheese, baked in tomato sauce for a hearty, family-friendly meal with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over cabbage leaves to cover; allow to stand for 10 minutes.
- Combine ground chuck, 1 cup cheese, corn, chopped onion, salt, and pepper, just until blended.
- Remove cabbage leaves from water.
- Place 2/3 cup of meat mixture in each leaf, fold in sides, and roll lengthwise.
- Fasten with wood toothpicks.
- Place rolled cabbage leaves in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce and beef bouillon cube, and bake until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture. If you don’t have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of cooked quinoa and black beans. You can also sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cheesy Cabbage Roll-Ups alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Garlic Hominy Grits for added texture. You can also top them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the roll-ups in a baking dish, add a splash of water to keep them moist, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Cabbage Roll-Ups contains roughly 1253 calories, with 58g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (675% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value), and protein (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2630mg per serving (114% 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 roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the cover and follow the baking instructions. They may take a few extra minutes to heat through.
What can I do if I don't have cabbage leaves?
If cabbage leaves are unavailable, you can use Swiss chard or collard greens as an alternative. They provide a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to blanch them briefly in boiling water to make them pliable enough for rolling.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked roll-ups before baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
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).