Meat Rolled In Cabbage
Meat rolled in tender cabbage leaves, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with savory herbs and spices. This hearty dish combines flavorful ground meat with vegetables and a tangy sauce, making it perfect for family dinners and comforting meals that satisfy all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage ⓘ
- 1 medium potato ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 glass tomato juice ⓘ
- Brown sugar or honey to taste ⓘ
- Cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 piece carrot ⓘ
- Clove garlic ⓘ
- Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp raw rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 beef bouillon packets ⓘ
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Scald the cabbage, then carefully separate the leaves and drain.
- In a bowl, combine chopped ground chuck, grated potato, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and half a glass of tomato juice. Mix well.
- Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of raw rice to the mixture for additional texture.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and fold over to form rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a large pot in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining tomato juice and the can of stewed tomatoes over the cabbage rolls.
- Add lemon juice, brown sugar or honey to taste, and the beef bouillon packets.
- Simmer the rolls for approximately 3 hours until cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked rolls to a flat baking dish in a single layer.
- Thicken the cooking juices with cornstarch and pour over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the tops are browned and the sauce is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the meat mixture. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, opt for honey over brown sugar. For a healthier alternative, use ground turkey instead of ground chuck. This recipe can also be adapted by incorporating other vegetables into the filling, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Browse more beef recipes for additional inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cabbage rolls alongside a refreshing salad or crusty bread to complement the hearty flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance the dish. They pair beautifully with Mother'S Beef And Potato Casserole for a comforting meal. Consider a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
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 covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual rolls for a quick meal. For longer storage, freeze them before baking and cook them directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Rolled In Cabbage contains roughly 302 calories, with 3g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% 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 and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. Just follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover them tightly, and then bake when you're ready. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon packets?
If you don't have beef bouillon packets, you can substitute them with beef broth or stock. Use about 2 cups of broth in place of the packets and adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the desired flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground chuck with a mixture of cooked lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and add more vegetables to the filling for a satisfying vegetarian option.
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).