Description
Cabbage and Beef Bundles are quick, nourishing, and flavorful parcels of tender ground beef wrapped in soft cabbage leaves. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, they combine simple ingredients into a hearty, balanced meal with savory warmth and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium fat)
- 8–10 large cabbage leaves
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 cups tomato sauce or broth (for simmering)
Optional Variations and Flavor Enhancers
- Chopped chili peppers or cayenne powder (for spice)
- Fresh parsley, dill, or thyme (herbs)
- Shredded mozzarella or feta cheese (cheese filled)
- 1 tsp ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil (Asian-inspired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until they are softened but still sturdy enough to hold the filling. Drain and set aside on a clean towel to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a pan, sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks. Remove from heat, then combine with cooked rice or breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like. Mix thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bundles: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly, tucking in the edges to seal each bundle neatly.
- Cook the Bundles: Arrange the bundles seam side down in a saucepan or baking dish. Pour tomato sauce or broth over them to keep moist. Cover and simmer gently on the stove or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
- Choose younger cabbage leaves as they are more pliable and less likely to tear during rolling.
- Don’t overfill the bundles to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Seal the edges tightly to keep the filling secure inside the bundles.
- Simmer on low heat to preserve tenderness and ensure even cooking.
- Let the bundles rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to set their shape before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bundle
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg