Stuffed Cabbage

Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Stuffed cabbage is a comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. The flavors meld beautifully with the tangy sauerkraut and rich tomato sauce, making it a hearty meal that suits families and gatherings alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cabbage
  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can sauerkraut
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2 c water
  • 1 c instant rice
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 c milk

Instructions

  1. Boil cabbage for 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
  2. Cook instant rice.
  3. In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, and salt. Add the cooked rice and mix thoroughly.
  4. Stuff cabbage leaves with the ground beef mixture.
  5. Arrange the stuffed cabbage leaves in a pot.
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce and sauerkraut with 1 cup of water.
  7. Cook over medium heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh cabbage with pre-packaged cabbage leaves. For a lighter option, try using ground turkey instead of beef. Don't forget, you can also make these stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time and freeze them for a quick meal later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. Pair them with crusty bread or a simple side salad to balance the meal. For a complete comfort food experience, consider serving with a side of Beef And Potato Casserole, which complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover stuffed cabbage can be stored 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 prevent drying out, then microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through. They also freeze well for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 1110 calories, with 39g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), protein (79% of the Daily Value), and potassium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2340mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

1110 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 39.4g 79% DV
Total Fat 26g 33% DV
Carbs 189.7g 69% DV
Fiber 13g 46% DV
Sugar 53.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2340.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 2285.1mg 49% DV
Cholesterol 113.1mg 38% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 232.7mcg 26% DV
Vitamin C 27.1mg 30% DV
Vitamin D 1.8mcg 9% DV
Calcium 591.5mg 46% DV
Iron 15.9mg 88% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

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 the filling?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as alternatives to ground beef. Each will give a unique flavor to the dish. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner meats might require less cooking time to prevent drying out.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils, quinoa, or finely chopped mushrooms. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

Can I prepare stuffed cabbage in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls a day in advance. Just assemble them and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, making for an even tastier dish when you're ready to cook.

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).

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