cabbage beef rolls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cabbage beef rolls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – cabbage beef rolls! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that everyone loves.

The idea of cabbage beef rolls originated from Eastern European cuisine, where it’s known as ‘halupki’ or ‘gołąbki’. It’s a traditional dish made with tender beef, sautéed cabbage, and a blend of spices wrapped in a delicate pastry.

My kids adore helping me prepare the filling, and my husband loves the way the flavors come together in the finished product. I love how this recipe is easy to make ahead of time, freezes beautifully, and can be served for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and is a great way to get more veggies on the table. When I serve cabbage beef rolls at family gatherings, everyone raves about how delicious they are.

The key to making these rolls truly special is in the technique – making sure the cabbage is tender but still crisp, and that the filling is evenly distributed throughout. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.

Cabbage Beef Rolls

4.7 from 1622 votes

Cabbage Beef Rolls are a hearty dish featuring tender beef wrapped in cabbage leaves, cooked in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add the whole head of cabbage and boil until the outer leaves are tender and can be easily removed, about 5-7 minutes.
3Remove the cabbage from the water and set it aside to cool.
4Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the outer leaves, reserving the inner core for another use.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper.
6Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7The mixture should be sticky and hold together when formed into a ball.
8Place one cabbage leaf on a flat surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of the leaf.
9Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll tightly to form a neat package.
10Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and beef mixture, ensuring each roll is securely wrapped.
11In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
12Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
13Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well coated.
14Add water, sugar, and salt to the baking dish, and drizzle with vegetable oil.
15Preheat the oven to 350°F.
16Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
17After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the beef is cooked through.
18The sauce should be thickened and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls should be lightly browned.
19While the cabbage rolls are baking, prepare the sauce.
20In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
21Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
22Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
23Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
24Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
25If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
26Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
27Spoon the prepared sauce over the rolls and serve hot, with additional sauce on the side if desired.
28Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. For added flavor, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a side dish at a family gathering.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating is simple – just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Beef Rolls

Q: What type of meat should I use for cabbage beef rolls?

A: For this recipe, I prefer to use ground beef because it holds up well to the cooking process and adds plenty of flavor. You can also use ground pork or a combination of both if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it until it’s nice and browned before adding the cabbage.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?

A: While pre-shredded cabbage can be convenient, it won’t give you the same texture as shredding your own cabbage from a fresh head. If you do choose to use pre-shredded cabbage, just be aware that it may be more prone to sogginess.

Q: How do I keep my cabbage beef rolls from becoming dry?

A: To prevent drying out, make sure not to overcook your filling or roll them too tightly. Also, keep an eye on the moisture level when cooking them – if they start to dry out, simply add a splash of water or broth.

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time and store them for later?

A: Yes! These rolls freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these rolls?

A: To reheat your cabbage beef rolls, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.

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