Description
Cabbage and Beef Bundles combine tender ground beef wrapped in pliable cabbage leaves, creating a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meal. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a wholesome dinner that the whole family will enjoy, featuring a savory filling complemented by mild sweetness from the cabbage and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 large cabbage leaves
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 2 cups tomato sauce or beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Carefully remove the leaves and place them on a clean towel to cool and dry.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice if using, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Assemble the Bundles: Lay each cabbage leaf flat and spoon a portion of the beef mixture near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from base to tip to form neat bundles.
- Cook the Bundles: Place the cabbage bundles seam-side down in a wide skillet or baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce or broth around them to keep the bundles moist. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for the same duration until the meat is fully cooked.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the cooked bundles carefully onto plates and serve warm. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm cabbage leaves to prevent tearing while rolling.
- Do not overfill each bundle to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Finely chop onion and garlic to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Simmer gently over low heat to meld flavors and keep cabbage tender without drying out.
- For extra tenderness and rich flavor, consider slow cooking the bundles with sauce for several hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bundle
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cabbage rolls, ground beef bundles, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free, family meal
