Meat Balls And Cabbage
A hearty meatball and cabbage stew with a tangy tomato and soy sauce flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare in one pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make meatballs from hamburger and set aside.
- Line the bottom of a large pan with half of the chopped cabbage.
- Chop celery and onion.
- Place celery and onion on top of the cabbage in the pan.
- Add the meatballs on top of the vegetables.
- Cover with the remaining chopped cabbage.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes over the cabbage.
- Add brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and arrange bouillon cubes in a circle around the pan.
- Shake the pan gently without stirring to mix flavors.
- Start cooking on high heat for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until the meatballs rise to the top, indicating doneness.
Tips & Substitutions
To keep the meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the hamburger when forming them. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer more flavor, add minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meat mixture. For a tangy twist, use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. This dish is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs and cabbage hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier pairing, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. It’s a comforting meal reminiscent of American recipes that will please the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and cabbage in a covered pan on low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls And Cabbage contains roughly 970 calories, with 27g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2951mg per serving (128% 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 freeze the meatballs and cabbage?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or substitute with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors, as fresh tomatoes may require a bit more salt or sugar to balance the acidity.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they rise to the top of the dish and are no longer pink in the center. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). This will ensure that they are cooked through and safe to eat.
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).