German Stuffed Cabbage
German Stuffed Cabbage features tender cabbage leaves filled with savory ground beef mixture, steamed to perfection, and served with Hollandaise sauce and mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam the cabbage until the leaves are easily removed.
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, onions, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Peel the cabbage leaves and line the inside of a steamer basket with them, covering the bottom and sides.
- Place a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the basket.
- Cover the meat layer with a thick layer of cabbage leaves.
- Add remaining meat and cabbage leaves until all are used.
- Add a little water to the bottom of the steamer, then place the basket inside and cover.
- Steam and boil for about 2 hours.
- Remove the steamer basket and carefully flip the stuffed cabbage onto a plate.
- Slice as if slicing a cake.
- Serve with Hollandaise Sauce and mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your German Stuffed Cabbage, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of bread crumbs for a quicker prep. For a twist, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or grated carrots to the filling, similar to the Meat Spinach Filling.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with Hollandaise Sauce and creamy mashed potatoes. For an authentic experience, serve with a side of tangy sauerkraut or a fresh green salad. A glass of German Riesling complements the flavors well, making it a perfect pairing for your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 346 calories, with 12g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork or turkey for the beef, depending on your preference. Each type of meat will provide a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment! Just ensure that the meat is well-seasoned to maintain the dish's overall taste.
How do I know when the stuffed cabbage is fully cooked?
The stuffed cabbage is fully cooked when the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Additionally, the cabbage leaves should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked stuffed cabbage for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions.
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).