Diane'S Stuffed Cabbage
Diane's Stuffed Cabbage features tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, baked in tomato sauce topped with Parmesan for a hearty, comforting meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel cabbage leaf by leaf, trying not to break the leaf.
- Place the cabbage leaves in boiling salted water and cook until tender, then drain.
- Mix ground meat with cooked rice, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and garlic salt or powder.
- Place a small handful of the meat mixture in the center of each cooked cabbage leaf.
- Roll up the cabbage leaf, tucking in sides, and fasten with toothpicks.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a 13 x 9-inch pan, and pour tomato sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle heavily with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute quinoa for the Minute rice for a healthier, gluten-free option. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic and onion to the meat mixture. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Aunt Yvonne'S Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. For additional flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked rolls before baking. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diane'S Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 406 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1891mg per serving (82% 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 stuffed cabbage ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If you prefer to freeze them, assemble the rolls without sauce, freeze them, and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use a can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes as a substitute. Alternatively, make a simple sauce by blending tomatoes with a splash of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for added flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative like tempeh or tofu. Ensure to season well to maintain a rich flavor profile.
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).