Short-Cut Cabbage Rolls
A quick and hearty casserole featuring seasoned pork, rice, cabbage, and sauerkraut, topped with biscuits and sour cream, ideal for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) drained sauerkraut ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits ⓘ
- parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread shredded cabbage in a large casserole dish.
- Mix uncooked rice, pork sausage, seasonings, and drained sauerkraut.
- Spread the mixture over the cabbage in the dish.
- Mix tomato paste with water to create a sauce.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Bake covered for 1 1/2 hours at 300°F.
- Remove from oven and spread sour cream on top.
- Arrange refrigerated biscuits on top and sprinkle with parsley flakes.
- Bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F until biscuits are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or dill to the sausage and rice mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork sausage. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based sausage and replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative. Make sure the biscuits are evenly spaced to ensure they brown nicely without sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
These cabbage rolls are hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but you can pair them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for balance. A side of crusty bread complements the meal nicely, and you can also serve them with a dollop of extra sour cream on the side for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short-Cut Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 1110 calories, with 49g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (270% of the Daily Value), iron (144% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2268mg per serving (99% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey can be great substitutes for pork sausage. Just adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and ensure that the meat is cooked through before layering it with the cabbage.
What can I do if I don't have sauerkraut?
If sauerkraut isn't available, you can use finely shredded cabbage and add a splash of vinegar for tanginess. Alternatively, try using pickled vegetables for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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).