meat cabbage rolls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meat cabbage rolls recipe

I’ve been making meat cabbage rolls for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make and is perfect for any occasion.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event, these rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve tried making them with different types of meat, but ground beef is my favorite – it’s hearty and flavorful, and the cabbage adds a nice crunch.

My kids love helping me roll the cabbage leaves and fill them with the meat mixture, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking. The best part is that these rolls freeze well, so I can make a big batch and store them in the freezer for later.

When I’m short on time, I just thaw and reheat them – they’re perfect for a quick dinner. My family loves these rolls because they’re so comforting and satisfying.

There’s something about the combination of the tender cabbage and the savory meat that just feels like home. I’ve served these rolls at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a main course for special occasions.

They’re always a hit, and I never have to worry about leftovers! The health benefits of this recipe are also a big plus – cabbage is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the lean beef makes it a relatively healthy option compared to other comfort foods.

Meat Cabbage Rolls

4.6 from 1291 votes

Tender ground meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. A comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 370 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Carefully submerge the whole cabbage in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes, until the leaves begin to soften and peel off easily.
3Remove the cabbage from the water and set it aside to cool.
4Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves and set them aside.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
6Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7The mixture should be moist but not watery.
8Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.
9Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the cabbage leaf.
10Roll the leaf tightly around the mixture, folding in the sides as you roll.
11Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture, until all the leaves are rolled.
12You should have about 12-15 cabbage rolls.
13In a large saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper.
14Stir well to combine.
15Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
16Reduce the heat to low and add the cabbage rolls to the sauce, seam side down.
17Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the rolls to ensure they are fully submerged.
18Cover the saucepan and let the cabbage rolls simmer in the sauce for 45-55 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
19Stir gently every 15 minutes to prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
20The rice should be fluffy and the meat should be cooked through with no pink showing.
21Remove from heat and let the cabbage rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 370 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Meat Cabbage Rolls Works

These meat cabbage rolls are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

They’re perfect for family gatherings because everyone loves them, and they’re easy to reheat if you need to serve them later.

In addition to being delicious, these rolls are also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods due to the lean beef and nutritious cabbage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Cabbage Rolls

1. What type of meat should I use?

In this recipe, I recommend using ground beef – it’s classic for meat cabbage rolls and provides a rich flavor. However, you can also use ground pork or turkey if you prefer.

2. Can I use frozen cabbage?

No, fresh cabbage works best in this recipe – frozen cabbage won’t hold its shape as well when cooked.

3. How do I store leftover cabbage rolls?

You can store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

No, this recipe requires meat to be filling – you could try substituting with mushrooms or lentils if you want a vegetarian option.

5. How do I reheat frozen cabbage rolls?

Simply thaw the frozen rolls overnight in the fridge or reheat them from frozen in the oven or microwave – cook until hot through.

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