Unstuffed "Stuffed" Cabbage
A hearty, sweet‑sour casserole with ground beef, cabbage, and raisins—perfect for family dinners, blending comforting flavors with a touch of tang.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef with eggs, cooked rice, and sugar.
- Season the mixture with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Form the seasoned mixture into meatballs.
- Sauté chopped onion in a little oil until golden.
- Add tomato sauce, half a jar of its water, sauerkraut, brown sugar, and raisins to the pan.
- Heat the sauce until it simmers.
- Shred or thin‑slice the cabbage, removing hard veins.
- Place a layer of sauce at the bottom of a roasting pan.
- Spread half the cabbage over the sauce.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the cabbage.
- Cover the meatballs with the remaining cabbage and pour the rest of the sauce over everything.
- Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1½ hours.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake for an additional hour.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option. If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. To enhance the flavor, let the meatballs marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Using fresh cabbage is ideal, but frozen cabbage can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the unstuffed cabbage with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes. This dish also goes well with a glass of red wine for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Unstuffed "Stuffed" Cabbage contains roughly 885 calories, with 42g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2655mg per serving (115% 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 ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply adjust the cooking time as needed since it will go in cold.
What can I substitute for sauerkraut?
If you don't have sauerkraut, you can use shredded cabbage or even pickled vegetables. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I freeze the unstuffed cabbage?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven.
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).