🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
📋 Description
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mix of seasoned ground meat, rice, and aromatics, all simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. A comforting, old-world dish that’s both hearty and wholesome.
🍽 Servings
6 to 8 servings
⏱ Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combo)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
🥣 Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the pot.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes, peeling off softened leaves as they loosen. Set leaves aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Rolls:
- Trim thick vein from cabbage leaves if needed.
- Place 2–3 tbsp of filling on each leaf and roll tightly, folding in sides.
- Cook:
- In a large pan or baking dish, layer the bottom with some chopped cabbage or broken leaves.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down. Pour diced tomatoes and beef broth over the top.
- Cover and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes, or simmer on the stovetop in a covered pan.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Make it vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
- Sauce boost: Mix tomato sauce with a bit of brown sugar and vinegar for a sweet-sour profile.
- Freeze-friendly: Make extra and freeze uncooked rolls for later.
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice to save time.
🧠 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
(based on 6 servings and 90% lean beef)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
🌟 Health Benefits
- High Protein: Great for satiety and muscle repair
- Rich in Fiber: From cabbage and rice
- Low Sugar: Naturally low in added sugars
- Balanced Meal: Contains protein, veggies, and grains
- Good for Diabetics: Lower-carb option if made with cauliflower rice
❓Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! After assembling, layer rolls in your slow cooker, add sauce, and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Q: Can I use savoy cabbage instead?
A: Absolutely—savoy cabbage is more tender and easier to roll.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Up to 4 days in the fridge, or 2 months in the freezer.
Q: What sides go well with it?
A: Mashed potatoes, sour cream, or a slice of crusty bread.
Q: Are they keto-friendly?
A: Swap rice for riced cauliflower and use full-fat meat for a keto version.