Old Country Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Old Country Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are hearty, flavorful dishes featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned meat and rice, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, cooked rice, and grated onion with one can of tomato sauce.
- Cover cabbage leaves with boiling water and let sit for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drain the cabbage leaves thoroughly.
- Divide the meat mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Roll up, tucking in the ends securely.
- Brown the stuffed cabbage rolls in hot vegetable oil.
- Mix the remaining can of tomato sauce with brown sugar and lemon juice or vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the rolls and simmer, covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, consider blanching the cabbage leaves for a couple of minutes to soften them. If you want to lighten the dish, try substituting ground turkey for the beef and pork. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. Adding herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pair them with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Kettle Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Country Stuffed Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 553 calories, with 19g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1728mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out. This makes for a convenient meal on busy days.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or even a homemade tomato puree. Just add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked or cooked cabbage rolls. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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).