Mom-Mom'S Stuffed Cabbage
Mom-Mom's Stuffed Cabbage features tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground beef, cooked in a tangy cranberry-tomato sauce with sweet raisins, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the cabbage and break off into individual leaves.
- Cook the cabbage leaves in the microwave with a small amount of water for 5 minutes to soften.
- Season the ground beef well with salt and pepper.
- Add the egg, bread crumbs, and grated onion to the ground beef and mix well.
- Lay out the cabbage leaves and stuff each leaf with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Roll up the stuffed leaves and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Cut up the remaining cabbage and place it in the bottom of a large pot.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls on top of the cut-up cabbage in the pot.
- Add the tomato sauce, bay leaf, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, white raisins, and a pinch of sweet-n-sour salts to the pot.
- Cover and simmer until cooked through, about 45 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs instead of making your own filling. Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to taste your filling mixture before stuffing; adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage hot, ideally with a side of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or crusty bread would complement the meal nicely. For a comforting dinner, pair it with American recipes like Meat Balls In Gravy or Baked Meat Patties to round out your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom-Mom'S Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 781 calories, with 23g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1685mg per serving (73% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage a day in advance. Simply assemble the rolls and place them in the pot with the sauce, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just simmer on the stove for about 45 minutes, adjusting the time as needed since it will be cold.
What can I substitute for the white raisins?
If you don't have white raisins, you can use regular raisins or even dried cranberries for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, chopped dried apricots or figs could work well, adding a unique flavor to the dish while keeping it delicious.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked quinoa, lentils, or even finely chopped mushrooms. Incorporate plenty of spices and perhaps some shredded carrots or zucchini to add moisture and flavor, making it a hearty vegetarian dish.
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).