traditional stuffed cabbage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
traditional stuffed cabbage recipe
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The Best traditional stuffed cabbage recipe

Traditional stuffed cabbage is a comforting dish that has been a staple in many Eastern European households for generations. It’s a dish that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and holiday meals. The combination of savory ground meat, fragrant rice, and tender cabbage leaves creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The smell of stuffed cabbage cooking in the oven brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the home. My kids, who are now grown, always look forward to this dish, as it reminds them of their childhood. The dish is versatile and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal. It’s packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and K from the cabbage, protein from the meat, and fiber from the rice. It’s a balanced and wholesome meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

The dish is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, as the cabbage leaves are tender and delicious when cooked. The filling of ground meat and rice is flavorful and satisfying, making it a great option for a hearty meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly delightful.

It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and one that you’ll want to make time and time again.

Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Recipe

Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Recipe

4.5 from 879 votes

A classic Eastern European dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory meat and rice filling, cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time90 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage

1 large head of cabbage

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1First, prepare the cabbage.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and set aside.
4Core the cabbage and cut into wedges.
5Blanch the cabbage wedges in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes until softened.
6Remove from water and set aside to cool.
7Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves and set aside.
8Next, prepare the filling.
9In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.
10Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
11To stuff the cabbage, lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.
12Place a small amount of filling (about 2 tablespoons) at the base of the leaf.
13Fold the base of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly into a neat package.
14Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
15Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
16In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
17Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
18Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
19Add water, and sprinkle with sugar and salt.
20Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
21After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened.
22Once done, remove the stuffed cabbage from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
23This allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to plate.
24Serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef and use brown rice instead of white rice. Additionally, you can add other vegetables to the filling, such as finely chopped carrots or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and flavor.

Traditional stuffed cabbage is a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to weeknight dinners. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave. To freeze, let the stuffed cabbage cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container.

When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.

This dish is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Cabbage

1. Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

You can use green or savoy cabbage for this recipe. Green cabbage is the most common and widely available, while savoy cabbage has a milder flavor and more tender leaves.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?

Yes, stuffed cabbage rolls can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the rolls and place them in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. To freeze after baking, let the rolls cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

4. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can use ground pork, turkey, or a combination of meats for the filling. You can also make a vegetarian version by using cooked quinoa or lentils instead of rice and meat.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free. Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels to be sure.

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