Venison Or Moose Cabbage Rolls
Hearty venison or moose cabbage rolls feature tender meat and rice wrapped in cabbage, simmered in tomato sauce—perfect for a comforting, game-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and chopped onion in butter.
- Mix in cooked rice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Put cabbage leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and dry.
- Place the meat mixture in the middle of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the leaves around the filling and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped cabbage rolls in a shallow baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of venison and pork for the ground meat. If you don't have fresh dill, dried dill can be a good substitute, using about one-third of the amount. To make the dish lighter, you can replace the rice with quinoa or omit it altogether for a more meat-focused roll. Don't skip browning the meat and onion for depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cabbage rolls are hearty on their own but pair nicely with a fresh salad like Richard Simmons' Classic Citrus Salad or Farmer's Salad for a balanced meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce. For a fun twist, serve with a small dish of Peach Chutney for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish with a splash of water or sauce and warm in the oven at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. They can also be reheated in the microwave for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Or Moose Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 260 calories, with 9g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1421mg per serving (62% 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 the cabbage rolls?
Yes, these cabbage rolls freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cabbage leaves?
If you're looking for a substitute for cabbage leaves, you can use collard greens or Swiss chard for a similar wrapping effect. Both options will impart a different flavor but will hold up well during cooking.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms for a hearty filling. You can also incorporate chopped vegetables like carrots and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
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).