Pennsylvania Dutch Cabbage And Meatballs
A hearty Pennsylvania Dutch dish featuring tender cabbage simmered with flavorful meatballs made from beef, rice, and onions, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hamburger, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- In a large pot, place shredded cabbage, water, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Drop the meatballs into the simmering cabbage mixture.
- Cover and cook until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through, about 45-60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For additional flavor, consider adding garlic or using ground turkey instead of hamburger. If you don’t have Minute Rice, regular cooked rice works fine. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition. This dish pairs beautifully with Chunky Potato Salad for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage and meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread, making it a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through or microwave in a covered dish until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Cabbage And Meatballs contains roughly 268 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2382mg per serving (104% 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 the cabbage and meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the dish after it has cooled completely. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of cabbage?
If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with kale or collard greens. Both options will provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well, creating a delicious alternative while maintaining the essence of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meatball mixture or the cabbage broth. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference for a kick that complements the savory flavors.
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).