Dad'S Cabbage Rolls
Dad's Cabbage Rolls are hearty, savory dishes featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, baked in tomato juice—perfect comfort food for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut out the core of each head of cabbage and stick a large fork into the space where the core was.
- Roll the cabbage back and forth in a large pot of boiling water to loosen the leaves.
- Remove leaves, slice off the rib on each leaf, and place leaves in warm water. Should have 20 to 30 leaves.
- Combine ground chuck, Minute rice, eggs, milk, browned onion, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and mustard in a large bowl.
- Mix until it starts to fluff up, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the filling onto each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll.
- Place seam side down in a large ovenproof pot.
- Add a mixture of 70% tomato juice and 30% water to about 1/4 inch from covering the rolls.
- Place the pot on the burner and bring to a hard boil.
- Place the pot in a 400°F oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Reduce heat to 325°F and let simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Optional: add carrots and potatoes during cooking if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the filling. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chuck. Additionally, using brown rice instead of Minute rice can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, but cooking time may vary. Be sure to remove as much rib from the cabbage leaves as possible for easier rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Dot'S Broccoli Chicken Casserole for a comforting feast.
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, add a splash of tomato juice or water, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 332 calories, with 8g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 715mg per serving (31% 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 make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just assemble the rolls, place them in the pot with the sauce, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or a combination of diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. This will still provide a rich flavor to the rolls. Mixing in some Worcestershire sauce can also add an extra depth of taste.
Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Cabbage rolls can be frozen either before or after cooking. To freeze raw, assemble them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked rolls, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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).