Pennsylvania Dutch Meat And Cabbage
A hearty Pennsylvania Dutch dish featuring seasoned meat wrapped in cabbage leaves, simmered in a savory tomato and onion sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together lightly and thoroughly the ground beef, salt, pepper, and beaten egg; then mix in the uncooked rice.
- Cook cabbage leaves in salted water until just tender; drain and set aside.
- Melt oleo in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onion and cook until tender.
- Blend in tomato soup and water; add chopped celery, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Place 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll up, tucking in the ends.
- Secure the rolls with wooden picks and place them in a large, heavy skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the rolls, cover tightly, and cook slowly for 2 hours.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped garlic or using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. Ensure the rice is well-mixed to prevent clumping when cooking. For a twist, try adding some spices like paprika or thyme to the filling, echoing flavors found in other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These meat and cabbage rolls are hearty and satisfying on their own but pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. They also complement a tangy coleslaw, adding a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a skillet with a little water or sauce, cover, and heat over low until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. They can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes on medium power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Meat And Cabbage contains roughly 170 calories, with 11g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 842mg per serving (37% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and cabbage rolls a day in advance. Assemble them and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add them to the sauce and follow the cooking instructions. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish.
What can I use instead of cabbage leaves?
If cabbage leaves are not available, you can use large Swiss chard or collard greens as a substitute. They will provide a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to cook them until tender before wrapping the meat mixture.
How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
For gluten-free options, ensure the rice is certified gluten-free and use a gluten-free tomato soup. You can also substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as plant-based meats may require less time.
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).