Hulupki(Cabbage Rolls)
Hearty cabbage rolls filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, simmered in tomato-based sauce with sausage and sauerkraut for a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 or 3 lb. ground beef or sirloin ⓘ
- 2 heads cabbage ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 package kielbasa Polish sausage ⓘ
- 1 can sauerkraut ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or oleo ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice; set aside to cool.
- Cut out the core of each cabbage and discard.
- Parboil cabbage in a large pan until leaves are tender.
- Drain water and cool the cabbage.
- Saute chopped onion in butter or oleo until golden brown.
- In a large bowl or pan, mix together ground beef, cooked onion, rice, and egg.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Core each cabbage leaf to remove the vein as you prepare to make your rolls.
- Place about a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf; roll up and tuck in the sides.
- Chop any extra cabbage and place it in the bottom of a roaster pan.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls on top of the chopped cabbage in the pan.
- Cut sausage into small pieces and add to the pan with the rolls.
- Add sauerkraut, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar to the pan.
- Add water until nearly covering the rolls.
- Cover the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Ensure your cabbage leaves are pliable by parboiling them adequately. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat mixture can enhance the flavor. To make the rolls easier to handle, consider using a silicone spatula to help tuck the sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of flavor. They pair well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving them alongside Ropa Vieja or other beef recipes that complement hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual rolls for 1-2 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hulupki(Cabbage Rolls) contains roughly 1052 calories, with 10g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1917mg per serving (83% 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 these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a day in advance. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator, covered, until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sauerkraut?
If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, you can substitute it with a mixture of chopped fresh cabbage and a bit of vinegar for tanginess. Alternatively, shredded carrots or coleslaw mix can add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done cooking?
The cabbage rolls are done when they are heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cabbage should be tender, and the sauce should be bubbling. If you want a bit of caramelization, you can uncover the dish for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
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).