Stuffed Cabbage Hungarian Style
Hungarian-style stuffed cabbage rolls with sauerkraut and savory filling, rich with spices and flavors, perfect for hearty family dinners and slow-cooker comfort meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the large head of cabbage to free the leaves.
- Fill the cabbage cavity with salt.
- Cover with boiling water and parboil for 5 minutes or until soft.
- Drain the cabbage and trim the thick center vein of each leaf.
- Combine ground pork, rice, parsley, egg, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place a heaping spoonful of the mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll up, tucking in the sides.
- Layer the cabbage rolls and sauerkraut in a large kettle.
- Cover with tomato soup and water.
- Add bay leaf and cloves.
- Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, adding more water as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground pork and beef. If you don't have sauerkraut, you can substitute with finely chopped pickled cabbage or omit it entirely. To save time, pre-cook the rice before mixing it with the meat. If you're feeling adventurous, add some smoked paprika for an extra kick. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with Hungarian Green Beans for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread or a side of Microwave Hot German Potato Salad. A crisp green salad can also balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a covered dish with a splash of water to maintain moisture, then microwave for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage Hungarian Style contains roughly 348 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% 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 stuffed cabbage rolls a day in advance. Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. When ready to serve, simply simmer them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they're cold from the fridge.
What can I use if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. You may want to add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes can work just as well.
Is there a vegetarian version of stuffed cabbage?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground pork with a mixture of lentils or quinoa, combined with sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Add plenty of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of tomato soup.
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).