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Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, slow-baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This classic comfort food is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner, reminding many of grandma's kitchen.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Create the Filling
Assemble the Rolls
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, slow-baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This classic comfort food is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner, reminding many of grandma's kitchen.
This eastern_european recipe takes 115 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 675.5 calories per serving with 42.83g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or supper.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Rest and Serve
Replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.
Substitute the rice with an equal amount of cauliflower rice. Ensure the tomato sauce is sugar-free to further reduce carbohydrates.
Instead of white rice, try using brown rice, quinoa, or barley for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Note that cooking times may need to be adjusted.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
Adapted versions of this recipe for specific dietary needs:
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Cabbage and tomatoes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and promotes skin health.
The cooked tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and known for its heart-health benefits.
Cabbage provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
A typical serving of two cabbage rolls contains approximately 550-650 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the leanness of the beef and specific ingredients used.
They can be part of a balanced diet. They offer protein from beef and vitamins from cabbage and tomatoes. To make them healthier, you can use leaner ground meat (like turkey or 93/7 beef), substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa, and reduce the brown sugar in the sauce.
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the rolls and prepare the sauce, store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and then combine and bake. Alternatively, bake the entire dish and reheat it; the flavors often improve overnight.
Ensure the cabbage leaves are boiled until very pliable. Shaving down the thick rib on the back of the leaf is crucial. When rolling, tuck the sides in tightly like a burrito. Finally, place them seam-side down in the baking dish, packed snugly together to help them hold their shape.
They are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, a simple green salad, or a slice of rustic bread like rye to soak up the sauce. A dollop of sour cream on top is also a classic accompaniment.
