Stuffed Cabbages
Stuffed Cabbages are a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned meat and rice, cooked in a savory tomato and sauerkraut sauce. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and those who enjoy a savory, satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the cabbage and steam until the leaves can be peeled off in whole pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, rice, half of the grated onion, salt, and pepper.
- Add enough cold water to the meat and rice mixture until it becomes sloppy and easy to work with.
- Line the bottom of a roast pan with outer, torn cabbage leaves.
- Pour half of the sauerkraut over the leaves.
- Roll a small amount of the meat and rice mixture in each cabbage leaf, starting from the stem side and tucking in the edges.
- Place the cabbage rolls in layers on top of the sauerkraut in the pan.
- Add the remaining sauerkraut with its juice, whole tomatoes with juice, and half a can of water to the pan.
- Top with the remaining torn cabbage leaves, which will burn during cooking and should be discarded afterward.
- Cover the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes and crusty bread.
Tips & Substitutions
To make the rolling process easier, you can blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a minute before using them. If ground beef and pork aren't available, you can substitute with a mixture of turkey and sausage for a lighter option. Consider adding spices such as paprika or dill for extra flavor, reminiscent of dishes like Russian Borscht.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbages hot with a side of mashed potatoes and crusty bread for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can add a nice crunch and balance to the dish. This meal pairs beautifully with Soupe 'A Loignon (Onion Soup) for a delightful French twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed cabbages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbages contains roughly 166 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1490mg per serving (65% 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 freeze stuffed cabbages?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked stuffed cabbages or leftovers. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
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).