Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage
Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of rice, lean beef, vegetables, and herbs, then baked in tomato sauce. This hearty dish offers rich flavors with a hint of paprika, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions seeking comforting, flavorful cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 shallot ⓘ
- 2 egg whites
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown rice ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground extra lean beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon low sodium vegetable seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 cup salt-free tomato juice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 16 ounces tomato sauce or Italian plum tomatoes in puree ⓘ
- 3 ounces frozen unsweetened fruit juice concentrate ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Core the cabbage and cook it in boiling water until barely tender.
- Drain and separate 12 large leaves and trim ribs.
- Combine grated onion, minced shallot, egg whites, minced garlic, shredded carrot, and chopped parsley until thoroughly blended.
- Mix the onion mixture with partially cooked brown rice, ground beef, bread crumbs, vegetable seasoning, and tomato juice using a fork.
- Add frozen peas to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Place 1/3 cup of the mixture in each cabbage leaf and roll up, tucking in sides.
- Shred the remaining cabbage and sprinkle it in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the casserole, packing them tightly.
- Pour tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes over the rolls, then cover and bake until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also replace brown rice with quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar to your tomato sauce. Make sure to pack the cabbage rolls tightly to ensure they cook evenly. Experiment with spices by adding some thyme or dill for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess. A side of crusty bread complements the dish beautifully, perfect for soaking up the sauce. Pair with a light green salad to balance the richness, or browse more beef recipes for additional meal ideas.
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 a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 211 calories, with 12g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the cabbage rolls before or after baking. If freezing before baking, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure they're heated through.
How do I prevent the cabbage from tearing?
To prevent tearing, ensure the cabbage leaves are adequately cooked to soften them, but not so much that they become mushy. Additionally, use a sharp knife to carefully trim the thick rib at the base of each leaf; this will help them roll more easily without breaking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and additional vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative that mimics the texture of ground beef, ensuring that the flavors from the spices and sauce remain balanced.
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).