Easy Cabbage-And-Beef Rolls
Juicy cabbage leaves filled with savory beef and rice, baked in a rich tomato sauce, making a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce, divided
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 4 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked instant rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove 10 outer leaves of cabbage.
- Cover the cabbage leaves with boiling water; cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Drain the cabbage leaves well.
- Combine 1/2 cup tomato sauce, ground beef, mushroom stems and pieces, rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and lemon juice; mix well.
- Place 1/3 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold two opposite ends over the filling, then roll up the leaf, seam side down, and place in a lightly greased 8-inch baking dish.
- Combine remaining tomato sauce, sugar, and lemon juice; pour over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove cabbage rolls to a serving platter.
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into the boiling tomato sauce.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and boiling for 1 minute.
- Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. When boiling the cabbage leaves, ensure they are fully submerged for even cooking. This dish is great for meal prep, as the flavors develop over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Cabbage-And-Beef Rolls pair beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. For a hearty lunch, consider serving alongside a bowl of soup, like Easy Delicious Chili.
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 covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them on medium power until hot. If freezing, ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cabbage-And-Beef Rolls contains roughly 144 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives to beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require additional seasoning to maintain flavor. If using ground turkey, you might want to add a bit of olive oil to keep the filling moist.
What can I do if I don't have instant rice?
If you don't have instant rice, you can use regular rice, but you'll need to cook it beforehand according to package instructions. Make sure the rice is fully cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent soggy cabbage rolls.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make vegetarian cabbage rolls, substitute the ground beef with a combination of cooked lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance texture and flavor.
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).