Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls feature tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat mixture, baked to perfection, offering hearty comfort and rich flavors perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend ground beef, veal, and pork with egg, milk, and bread crumbs.
- Stir in salt, molasses, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and finely chopped onion; mix well.
- Cut out the core of the cabbage and carefully separate the outer 12 leaves, reserving the remainder.
- Remove the thick center vein from each cabbage leaf.
- Drop the cabbage leaves into boiling water.
- Cover and steam for 3 minutes or until soft and bright green.
- Remove the leaves with a slotted spoon and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the cabbage leaves.
- Fold the sides of each leaf in and roll up to enclose the filling.
- Fasten each roll with a wooden pick.
- Heat butter or margarine in a frying pan.
- Brown the cabbage rolls on all sides.
- Transfer the browned rolls to a 3-quart casserole as they brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your cabbage rolls, consider adding minced garlic or sautéed onions to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, ground turkey can be substituted for the beef, veal, and pork. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Remember to keep an eye on the rolls while browning to achieve a perfect golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of sour cream or a tangy tomato sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a complete feast, consider serving them alongside Barbecued Meatballs(Appetizer) or Superb Chili to create a comforting and hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 633 calories, with 16g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium.
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 cabbage rolls?
Yes, cabbage rolls freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy them later.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, they also go well with crusty bread or a warm loaf of rye.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
Cabbage rolls are done when they are heated through and the meat filling reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check by using a meat thermometer, or by cutting one open to ensure the meat is no longer pink.
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).