Easy Cabbage Rolls
Juicy cabbage rolls filled with seasoned hamburger, rice, and onions, baked in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop or shred the cabbage and place it in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add instant rice to the cooked hamburger mixture and mix well.
- Spoon the hamburger rice mixture on top of the shredded cabbage in the pan.
- Mix together tomato soup, water, sugar, catsup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the soup mixture over the hamburger rice mixture in the pan.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour or until the cabbage is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the hamburger with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use brown rice instead of instant rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Adding herbs like thyme or dill can enhance the flavor. If you want a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can be a great addition to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These cabbage rolls are hearty enough to be a standalone dish but pair wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a fresh contrast. You might also enjoy them alongside some roasted vegetables or a warm grain dish. They make a comforting meal, similar to those found in traditional American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, ensuring they’re covered to keep moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 374 calories, with 11g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% 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, cabbage rolls freeze well! After they have cooled, you can place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil. They will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce mixed with a bit of sugar and seasoning to mimic the sweetness and flavor. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce can also work beautifully in this recipe, giving it a fresh taste.
How do I know when the cabbage is tender?
The cabbage is tender when it can be easily pierced with a fork. After baking for 1 hour, check it periodically; if the leaves are still firm, cover the dish again and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The goal is to have soft, flavorful cabbage that complements the filling.
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).