Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Halupky)

Stuffed cabbage rolls, or Halupky, are a comforting dish filled with seasoned beef, rice, and onions, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is a perfect family meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and filling. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a gathering, these stuffed cabbage rolls will definitely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a great way to enjoy the richness of ground beef and rice with the satisfying freshness of cabbage. The tomato-based sauce brings the dish together, adding a bit of tanginess to balance the savory filling. With a long, slow bake time, the cabbage becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the filling and sauce. It’s a dish that’s perfect for cold weather and is even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

2 heads of cabbage

2 lbs ground beef

3 cups cooked rice

1 egg

1 tsp garlic (minced)

1 tbsp parsley

2 slices onion (diced)

Salt & Pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup tomato sauce (for the meat filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Boil the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place one head of cabbage into the water and cook for 3-5 minutes. Peel off the cabbage leaves one at a time, being careful not to tear them. Set them aside.

Trim the leaves: Cut off the tough stem or vein from the end of each cabbage leaf with a sharp knife. This helps make the leaves easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, egg, minced garlic, parsley, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to the mixture and mix everything thoroughly until it’s well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Stuff the cabbage: Take one cabbage leaf and place a small amount of the meat mixture (about the size of a sausage) in the center. Roll the leaf around the filling like a fajita, folding in the sides to seal the ends. Place the roll seam-side down in a casserole dish.

Layer the bottom: For extra flavor, you can place a few extra cabbage leaves and some tomato sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish to prevent the rolls from burning and to create a nice base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Bake

Pour the sauce: Once all the cabbage rolls are in the dish, pour the crushed tomatoes over them, covering the rolls completely.

Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 75 minutes.

Lower the temperature: After 75 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for another 90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Remember to baste the cabbage rolls with the sauce every hour for the best flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve: After the cabbage rolls are done, serve them with additional tomato sauce for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty meal on their own, but they can also be served with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter accompaniment, try serving them with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Variations and Tips

Add More Vegetables: You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Smoked Sausage: Some variations of this dish include adding smoked sausage to the filling or placing it on top of the rolls for an extra smoky flavor.

Make Ahead: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze them for later—just bake them as directed and let them cool before wrapping them tightly for freezing.

Add Spices: For a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or the filling to give it a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 300-350 (depending on portion size)

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 15g

Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls (Halupky) are a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory beef, and hearty rice is a true classic. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or the next day, they’re a meal that will always satisfy. Happy cooking!

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