Easy Stuffed Cabbage
Hearty stuffed cabbage bake combines tender cabbage, ground meat, barley, and savory tomato sauce for a comforting family-friendly meal with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook quick barley according to package instructions; rinse and drain.
- Cut the cabbage into pieces and boil in a large pot for 5 to 7 minutes; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked cabbage, cooked barley, ground meat, diced onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato soup with 1/2 can of water and 1/2 can of milk.
- Pour this mixture over the cabbage and meat in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for approximately 1.5 hours.
- Let set for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute quinoa for quick barley for a gluten-free option. If you want more flavor, add garlic or herbs like thyme to the meat mixture. To save time, you can use pre-cooked or frozen cabbage leaves. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen before baking for a convenient meal later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Stuffed Cabbage with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. For a heartier option, consider serving with a side of mashed potatoes or rice. This dish is also great as a leftover, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 392 calories, with 21g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1391mg per serving (60% 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 the stuffing?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Each will offer a unique flavor and texture, making it adaptable to your taste preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Alternatively, you can serve it with a spicy sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
What can I use if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce mixed with some Italian seasoning. This will still provide the necessary tomato flavor while keeping the dish delicious.
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).