Stuffed Cabbage(Total Cooking Time: 36 Minutes)
Stuffed cabbage offers tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meats, rice, and herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish combines hearty flavors and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage (about 1 1/2 lb.) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove the core and blemished leaves from the cabbage.
- Place the cabbage in a 3-quart microproof casserole.
- Add water to the casserole.
- Cover with plastic wrap and cook on High (Maximum power) for 6 minutes.
- Cool the cabbage slightly and separate the leaves.
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, egg, thyme, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly.
- Divide the mixture among 6 to 8 large cabbage leaves.
- Wrap each leaf tightly around the filling.
- Line the bottom of a 3-quart microproof casserole with some leftover cabbage leaves.
- Place the cabbage rolls on top of the loose leaves.
- Cover the rolls with the remaining cabbage leaves.
- Dot with butter and pour tomato sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on Reheat (80) for about 30 minutes.
- Baste the rolls after 15 minutes and cook until fork-tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Discard the top loose cabbage leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked rice or even leftover rice from a previous meal. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling can enhance flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also be great alternatives to parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed cabbage with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley for a pop of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside baked potatoes or a One Pan Meal for a complete spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage(Total Cooking Time: 36 Minutes) contains roughly 389 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1129mg per serving (49% 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 cabbage?
Yes, stuffed cabbage freezes well! Just cool the rolls completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you're looking for a substitute for ground pork, try using additional ground beef or ground turkey. You can also experiment with plant-based meat alternatives if you're aiming for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed to maintain flavor.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cabbage rolls are done when they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 30 minutes on low heat. You can check for doneness by piercing one with a fork; it should be soft without resistance. If using beef, ensure it's fully cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
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).