Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (With Rice!)
Unlike more traditional cabbage rolls which involve rolling filling in only one cabbage leaf, these ones comprise several leaves to make a couple large Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that can be sliced. Since they include both meat and vegetables, these cabbage rolls can be enjoyed on their own for dinner or alongside mashed potatoes and a salad.
To make the cabbage rolls, you begin by steaming the cabbage head and separating the leaves. Then, the filling is mixed in a bowl until combined. Next, cabbage leaves are layered on a baking sleeve before being topped with the meat mixture and rolled into a cabbage roll. Finally, the cabbage rolls are baked before being sliced and served. Sprinkled with some fresh parsley, these cabbage rolls make a hearty main meal of tender sweet cabbage and seasoned meat.
What are Cabbage Rolls?
Cabbage rolls involve cooked cabbage leaves that can include a variety of fillings. While people might be most familiar with the cabbage rolls of Eastern Europe, which include a meat filling and tomato sauce, cabbage rolls are made in several different ways across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.
Some cabbage roll recipes might include a meat filling with rice or with other grains such as buckwheat or barley. Meanwhile, other fillings can include mushrooms, beans, lentils, and/or fresh herbs. This version includes a delicious blend of ground meat, onions, carrot, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and rice.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to use your favorite ground meat such as beef, pork, chicken, or lamb in this recipe.
- If the cabbage leaves of your cabbage are on the thicker side, the cabbage may need a few minutes longer to steam in the microwave.
- Only mix the meat filling until it is just combined to ensure that it doesn’t become tough.
- If you prefer individual-sized cabbage rolls, feel free to roll the filling into single cabbage leaves instead.
- When you lay the cabbage leaves on the baking sleeve, make sure you overlap them to ensure that they don’t fall apart during the cooking process.
- Use a serrated or very sharp knife to ensure that you cut the cabbage rolls into clean slices.
What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls?
These cabbage rolls are excellent as a main meal on their own as they include your meat and vegetables in one. However, if you would like to have them with something else, you can serve them alongside mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes and a tossed green salad or steamed vegetables. They are also delicious served with a dollop of sour cream and some dill if you are used to Ukrainian or Polish cabbage rolls.
Can I Boil the Cabbage Leaves Instead?
Yes, if you don’t have a microwave or prefer not to use one, you could place the entire cabbage head in a large pot of boiling water instead. Once it is cooked, the leaves should peel off of the cabbage head easily. If you separate the cabbage leaves while they are raw, they will be more likely to tear.
What Type of Ground Meat Should Be Used for Cabbage Rolls?
You can use any type of ground meat you prefer. While beef and pork are the most common, feel free to use chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Alternatively, you could use ground sausage if you would like a richer filling.
Why is The Meat Inside My Cabbage Rolls so Hard?
The meat inside might turn out hard if it hasn’t been mixed thoroughly enough with the other ingredients or if there’s insufficient moisture. Rice, vegetables, and olive oil help soften the texture by distributing moisture and fat evenly. Overcooking can also cause the meat to dry out and become tough, so sticking to the recommended cooking time is crucial. Adding a bit more oil or finely grating the vegetables could help keep it tender.
How Can You Make Cabbage Rolls Vegetarian?
If you would like to make these cabbage rolls vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with your favorite vegetarian replacement. Often, you can find plant-based protein in the freezer section of the grocery store that mimics the texture of ground meat, however, cooked lentils would work well too.
Can I Make These Cabbage Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make these cabbage rolls ahead of time. Assemble the rolls, place them in the baking sleeve, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the prepared rolls for longer storage—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
More Cabbage Recipes You Can Try
How to Store Cabbage Rolls
These Cabbage rolls will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. However, for longer storage, you could also place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. If they are stored longer than that, they will likely still be safe to eat but their texture and flavor may deteriorate over time.
Ingredients
How to Make Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Core the cabbage. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes.
Step 1: Core the cabbage. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the ground meat with the onions, carrot, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, rice, and olive oil until combined.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the ground meat with the onions, carrot, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, rice, and olive oil until combined.
Step 3: Lay a baking sleeve on a clean surface and top it with the cabbage leaves, ensuring they overlap slightly.
Step 3: Lay a baking sleeve on a clean surface and top it with the cabbage leaves, ensuring they overlap slightly.
Step 4: Spread the meat filling on top of the cabbage leaves.
Step 4: Spread the meat filling on top of the cabbage leaves.
Step 5: Fold the sides inward. Then, starting from the bottom, roll the cabbage to create a roll.
Step 5: Fold the sides inward. Then, starting from the bottom, roll the cabbage to create a roll.
Step 6: Roll the cabbage roll in the baking sleeve and tie off the ends. Place it in a baking pan and roast in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Roll the cabbage roll in the baking sleeve and tie off the ends. Place it in a baking pan and roast in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Slice the cabbage roll and serve it garnished with parsley.
Step 7: Slice the cabbage roll and serve it garnished with parsley.
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