Country Style Cabbage Rolls
Hearty cabbage rolls packed with savory beef, rice, and tomato sauce—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam cabbage leaves until pliable.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, salt, and uncooked rice; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and wrap each in a cabbage leaf.
- Arrange the wrapped rolls in a pot, then pour in the tomato juice.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the tomato sauce and 2 cups of water.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Lower the heat to low and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Alternatively, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option. Be sure to steam the cabbage leaves just until pliable to avoid tearing them while wrapping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. They pair beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a hearty meal, consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Browse more American recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a pot with a little tomato juice or water, cover, and warm gently over low heat. You can also microwave individual rolls until heated through, adding a splash of sauce for moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 313 calories, with 18g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value) and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1764mg per serving (77% 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 the cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the cabbage rolls before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to three months. To cook from frozen, simply add extra time to the cooking process. If frozen after cooking, reheat them gently to maintain their texture.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato paste diluted with a bit of water. Alternatively, a homemade sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh tomatoes can work well. Just adjust the seasoning since store-bought sauces often contain added salt and spices.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done cooking?
The cabbage rolls are done when the beef is thoroughly cooked and the rice is tender. You can check this by cutting one roll in half to ensure there is no pink meat and that the rice is fully cooked. The sauce should be bubbling gently, indicating that everything is heated through.
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).