meat cabbage rolls recipe

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The Best meat cabbage rolls recipe
Meat Cabbage Rolls
🥘Ingredients
👨‍🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Meat Cabbage Rolls Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Cabbage Rolls

The Best meat cabbage rolls recipe

I’ve been making meat cabbage rolls for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. The dish originated from Eastern European cuisine, where cabbage leaves are used as a wrapping for various fillings.

I love how the sweet and sour flavors of the cabbage complement the savory taste of the meat. The best part is that it’s a very versatile recipe – you can use ground beef, pork, or a combination of both.

My kids always ask for seconds, and I love how easy it is to customize the recipe to suit their tastes. The key to making great meat cabbage rolls is to use fresh cabbage leaves and to not overfill them, so they cook evenly.

I like to serve them with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

Meat Cabbage Rolls

4.7 from 829 votes

A comforting dish featuring ground meat rolled in cabbage leaves, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time25 mins

Cook Time1 hr 45 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time2 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooked rice

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

For the Sauce

1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (8 oz) tomato paste

1 cup water

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

1 bay leaf

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2Carefully submerge the whole cabbage and cook until the leaves are soft and can be easily peeled off, about 5-7 minutes.

3Drain and set aside to cool.

4Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion and garlic to the pot.

5Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

6Add ground beef to the pot.

7Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

8Stir in the cooked rice, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

9Mix well and set aside.

10Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves and cut out the thick center vein from each leaf.

11Set the leaves aside.

12In a separate bowl, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.

13Stir well to combine.

14Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

15Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.

16Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf.

17Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly from the base to form a cabbage roll.

18Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

19Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.

20Pour the sauce evenly over the rolls, ensuring each roll is well coated.

21Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

22After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened.

23Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

24This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to handle.

🔧Equipment

Large pot

Baking dish

Mixing bowl

Cutting board

Knife

Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

Watch Video Of How Meat Cabbage Rolls Works

I always say that meat cabbage rolls are a great idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner. They’re easy to make and fun to eat, and my kids love helping me assemble them.

The best part is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them as a main course or as a side dish. To store any leftovers, simply let them cool down completely before refrigerating or freezing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Cabbage Rolls

Q: What type of meat should I use for the filling?

For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or pork, or a combination of both. You can also add some chopped onions, garlic, and spices to give it more flavor.

Q: How do I prepare the cabbage leaves?

First, blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll. Then, let them cool down before using them.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.

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

You can either steam them on a steamer basket or boil them in a large pot of salted water until they’re tender. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot, so they have enough room to cook evenly.

Q: Can I freeze these rolls after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze them after cooking and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The Best meat cabbage rolls recipe

Meat Cabbage Rolls