Short-Cut Halupki(Cabbage Rolls)
Savory cabbage rolls packed with seasoned beef, rice, and tomato sauce—comforting, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice in the water until the liquid is absorbed, then let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg and stir in the cooled rice, ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cut the cabbage head into thin wedges, being careful to keep the leaves intact.
- Place a heaping spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage wedge and roll tightly, securing with kitchen twine if desired.
- Arrange{"rolls":"in a greased baking dish"} and pour the tomato soup and crushed tomatoes over the rolls, ensuring they are covered.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the rolls are cooked through.
- Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving, then drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the filling. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used instead of uncooked. For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can also use crushed garlic instead of garlic powder for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these halupki with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with American recipes like Cheeseburger Chowder or a comforting Lentil-Vegetable Stew(Adas Mah Khodra). A dollop of sour cream on top can add a nice creaminess to each serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish with a splash of water or sauce, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short-Cut Halupki(Cabbage Rolls) contains roughly 1373 calories, with 36g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and assemble them in the baking dish a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through properly.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute with a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a tablespoon of sugar to mimic the sweetness of the soup. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce can also work well, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Is it possible to freeze these cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! These cabbage rolls can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add extra cooking time. If baked, cool completely before freezing 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).