Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Roll
Hungarian stuffed cabbage rolls feature tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with lemon and herbs, perfect for hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
- Mix in uncooked rice thoroughly.
- Dip cabbage head in boiling water to loosen the leaves.
- Brown butter in a large skillet; add chopped celery, onion, and parsley, and cook until softened.
- Add brown sugar, lemon juice, and tomato soup to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Remove cabbage leaves carefully, and place a spoonful of meat mixture on each leaf.
- Roll each leaf lightly around the filling.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in a pot or baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the rolls to cover.
- Simmer covered for 1.5 hours until cooked through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option. Make sure not to overfill the cabbage leaves, as this can cause them to burst during cooking. For a quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. They pair well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, enjoy them with a side of pottage or browse more beef recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish with a splash of water and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them on medium power for 4-5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Roll contains roughly 803 calories, with 33g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (116% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2740mg per serving (119% 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 filling?
Yes, you can use ground pork, turkey, or chicken as alternatives to ground beef. Each will give the rolls a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cabbage rolls are done when the meat is cooked through and the rice is tender. You can check by cutting one open; the filling should be hot and no longer pink. The rolls should also be tender to the bite.
Can I freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked or cooked cabbage rolls. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).