cabbage meat rolls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cabbage meat rolls recipe

I’m so excited to share this cabbage meat rolls recipe with you, as it’s been a staple in our household for years. This dish is a perfect representation of traditional Eastern European cuisine, where my ancestors used to make it for special occasions.

The combination of ground meat, cabbage, and spices is simply irresistible. When I first started making this recipe, I was amazed by how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out.

My family loves it so much that they always ask me to make it for dinner. I’ve even taken it to potlucks and family gatherings, where it’s always a hit.

What I love most about this recipe is the way the flavors meld together – the sweetness of the cabbage, the savory taste of the meat, and the warmth of the spices. It’s a true comfort food that never fails to satisfy our cravings.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together and how versatile it is – we can enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish. My kids adore helping me assemble the rolls, and they’re always eager to taste the finished product.

I’ve tried various variations over the years, but this classic recipe remains our favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just a regular weeknight dinner, these cabbage meat rolls are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Cabbage Meat Rolls

4.7 from 1574 votes

Cabbage Meat Rolls are a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory ground beef filling. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner and can be served with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 370 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 large head of cabbage

For the Meat Filling

500g ground beef
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and submerge it in the boiling water.
3Cook for 5 minutes, or until the leaves begin to soften and can be easily peeled off.
4While the cabbage is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain off any excess fat.
7Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef.
8Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
9Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
10Remove from heat and set aside.
11Once the cabbage is softened, carefully peel off the leaves and set them aside.
12You should have about 8-10 large leaves.
13If there are any small or damaged leaves, they can be chopped and added to the sauce.
14Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
15In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
16Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of each cabbage leaf, fold the sides over, and roll up tightly.
17Place the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
18In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, water, sugar, and salt to make the sauce for the cabbage rolls.
19Pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
20Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
21Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
22After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
23The cabbage should be easily pierced with a fork and the meat filling should be cooked through.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 370 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the meat filling for extra nutrition and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Cabbage Meat Rolls Works

Cabbage meat rolls are always a good idea for any occasion. They are versatile, delicious, and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a holiday feast, these rolls are sure to impress. They are a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table, and one that I’m sure will become a favorite in your home as well.

Plus, the leftovers are great for meal prepping and can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Meat Rolls

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either ground beef or pork for this recipe – both work beautifully. If you prefer leaner meat, you can also use a combination of beef and pork for a more balanced flavor profile.

Q: Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?

A: While fresh cabbage is ideal, you can definitely use frozen cabbage as a substitute. Just thaw it according to package instructions before using in the recipe.

Q: How do I store leftover cabbage meat rolls?

A: To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of cooking. You can also freeze them for up to three months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance – just refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner solution when time is tight.

Q: Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – this recipe does contain ground meat and therefore isn’t suitable for vegetarians.

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