Meat Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Juicy cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and herbs, simmered in tomato soup for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cabbage in boiling water to cover for a few minutes until wilted.
- Drain the cabbage leaves.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of tomato soup with the remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the cabbage leaves.
- Starting at the stem end, roll up the leaves and fold in the edges.
- Pin the cabbage rolls with wooden toothpicks to secure.
- Place the rolls seam side down in a skillet and pour the remaining tomato soup over them.
- Cook, covered, over low heat for 40 minutes or until fork-tender, stirring occasionally and spooning sauce over the rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
To make rolling easier, consider blanching the cabbage leaves longer or using a microwave to soften them. If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner substitute. For added flavor, you can mix in herbs like dill or parsley. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of flavor. They pair beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup like Baked French Onion Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato soup to keep them moist. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Stuffed Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 405 calories, with 14g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg 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 freeze meat stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked cabbage rolls. If freezing uncooked, assemble them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag. If cooked, allow them to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes mixed with a bit of sugar and seasoning. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce works well. For a twist, consider using a mix of salsa and broth for a spicier flavor profile.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
Cabbage rolls are done when they are fork-tender and the meat mixture is cooked through, usually after about 40 minutes of cooking on low heat. You can cut one open to check that the meat is no longer pink. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F.
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).