Homemade Cabbage Rolls
Juicy cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat, rice, and vegetables, simmered in tomato juice for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and drain well.
- Remove the core from each cabbage head and blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water until soft enough to roll.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine hamburger, sausage, cooked rice, diced onion, and green pepper. Mix well.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture near the stem end, and roll up, folding in the sides to enclose the filling.
- Secure each roll with a toothpick to prevent it from opening during cooking.
- Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot or baking dish, seam side down.
- Pour shredded kraut and tomato juice (or canned tomatoes) over the rolls.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours, until the meat is cooked through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of paprika or garlic powder to the meat mixture. If you don’t have sausage, you can substitute with more hamburger or another type of ground meat. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Make sure to drain the kraut well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the cabbage rolls soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these homemade cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Moms Hot German Potato Salad for a hearty, family-friendly dinner. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
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 baking dish with some sauce and cover with foil, then bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 526 calories, with 22g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% 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 frozen cabbage leaves for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cabbage leaves can be used as a convenient alternative. Just thaw them and pat dry before filling. They may be a bit more delicate, so handle them carefully while rolling.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls are delicious on their own, but they can be complemented with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a tangy beet salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing with crusty bread or a hearty soup.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cabbage rolls are done when the meat is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The cabbage should be tender but not mushy. You can check by cutting one roll in half to ensure the meat is no longer pink.
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).