Ham Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Savory ham-stuffed cabbage rolls with a rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 c. ground ham
- 1/2 c. onions, minced ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, pureed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 c. grated cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, Mozzarella or a mix) ⓘ
- 2 whole eggs
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- sage and thyme to taste ⓘ
- 1 large head cabbage ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can Italian style tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir the ground ham, minced onions, pureed garlic, Italian bread crumbs, grated cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme together in a bowl to make the filling.
- Drop the head of cabbage into a large pot of boiling water and nudge off the leaves as they loosen.
- Divide the filling into 12 portions, roll each into a sausage shape, and wrap them in cabbage leaves.
- In a large frypan, sauté the sliced onions with butter until translucent.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer in the frypan.
- Add the Italian style tomatoes with juice, salt, and pepper to taste to the pan.
- Bury the bay leaves in the pan, cover, and simmer slowly for 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the filling. If you don't have ham, ground turkey or chicken can serve as a great substitute. To easily peel off cabbage leaves, freeze the head of cabbage overnight and then thaw it before boiling. This method softens the leaves for easier rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These Ham Stuffed Cabbage Rolls can be served with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. They also go well with a side of Hungarian Sauerkraut for a delightful flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Stuffed Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 136 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% 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 the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before assembling the cabbage rolls.
What can I use if I don't have Italian bread crumbs?
If you don't have Italian bread crumbs, you can easily substitute them with plain bread crumbs mixed with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This will mimic the flavor profile and maintain the texture in your cabbage rolls.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cabbage rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and the filling is heated through, typically after about 30 minutes of simmering. You can also check by inserting a knife to ensure the filling is hot in the center.
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).