Microwave Stuffed Cabbage
A hearty microwave-cooked stuffed cabbage dish with savory meat filling and tangy tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family meals or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 cabbage leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 pound hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground sausage ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup instant rice
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- dash hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 ounces canned tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Place cabbage leaves and 1/2 cup water in a casserole dish, cover and microwave for 10 minutes.
- Drain the cabbage leaves.
- Mix ground hamburger, ground sausage, egg, instant rice, chopped onion, garlic salt, pepper, hot pepper sauce, and 1/4 cup tomato sauce until well combined.
- Place 1/4 cup of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll up.
- Mix remaining tomato sauce, tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, sugar, and basil to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls and cover the dish.
- Microwave at medium-high power for 25 minutes, moving rolls from center to side halfway through cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked rice or leftover rice instead of instant rice. You can also substitute the ground sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the meats for a mix of lentils and mushrooms. Adding some grated cheese into the meat mixture adds a delicious twist, similar to flavors in Prize Winning Meatloaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Pairing with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances the flavors beautifully. For a heartier dish, consider a side of mashed potatoes, which complements the sauce well, much like what you might find in Mom'S Breakfast Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 463 calories, with 17g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% 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 prepare stuffed cabbage in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls a day ahead. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator in the sauce until you're ready to microwave them. This allows the flavors to meld, making them even more delicious when cooked.
What can I use instead of cabbage leaves?
If you're looking for alternatives to cabbage leaves, large collard green leaves or Swiss chard can work well. They provide a similar texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy a stuffed roll with a different twist.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen 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).