How to Make Perfect Cabbage Roll Meatballs

Indulge in the deliciousness of cabbage roll meatballs! This flavorful twist on a classic dish is a healthy and crowd-pleasing alternative.

Dive into the mouthwatering world of cabbage roll meatballs! This delightful twist on a classic dish is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Our recipe brings together tender meatballs and the vibrant goodness of cabbage, creating a healthy and satisfying alternative. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these cabbage roll meatballs are sure to impress.

Follow our step-by-step guide and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this creative and delicious recipe. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing delight – try our cabbage roll meatballs today and elevate your dining experience to new heights!

ingredients

Tantalizing cabbage roll meatballs require a harmonious blend of ingredients. Our recipe calls for tender meat, flavorful cabbage, aromatic herbs, and a medley of spices, ensuring a mouthwatering culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Meatballs

Creating cabbage roll meatballs is a breeze with our step-by-step instructions. Simply mix the ingredients, form meatballs, wrap them in cabbage leaves, and bake to perfection. Enjoy the delicious flavors and savor every bite of this delightful twist on a classic dish.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

1. Use lean ground meat for healthier cabbage roll meatballs.
2. Season the meat mixture generously with herbs, spices, and your favorite seasonings for enhanced flavor.
3. Baste the meatballs with a flavorful sauce or broth during baking to keep them moist and add an extra layer of taste.
4. Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure juiciness and easier serving.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant finishing touch.
6. Serve with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to complete the meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Asian Fusion: Incorporate minced ginger, garlic, and soy sauce into the meat mixture, and serve the cabbage roll meatballs with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for an Asian fusion twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the meat mixture to give your cabbage roll meatballs a spicy kick.
3. Cheesy Delight: Stuff the meatballs with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a delightful cheesy surprise when you bite into them.
4. Slow Cooker [paid link] Version: Layer the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker [paid link], pour your favorite tomato-based sauce over them, and let them simmer on low heat for several hours for a tender and flavorful result.
5. Greek-Inspired: Use ground lamb instead of beef, and season the meat mixture with Greek herbs like oregano and mint. Serve with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired twist.
6. Sweet and Sour: Prepare a tangy sweet and sour sauce using vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice, and simmer the cabbage roll meatballs in the sauce for a flavorful and slightly tangy variation.
7. Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Serving Suggestions

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and classic accompaniment to cabbage roll meatballs.
2. Rice: Serve the meatballs over fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice for a simple and satisfying combination.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini to add a nutritious and flavorful element to your meal.
4. Salad: Prepare a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatballs.
5. Crusty Bread: Serve the cabbage roll meatballs with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up any delicious sauce or juices.
6. Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Toss together sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a simple dressing for a light and refreshing salad that balances the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the cabbage roll meatballs? Yes, you can use different types of ground meat such as beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, based on your preference.

Q: Can I make cabbage roll meatballs in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cabbage roll meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to cook, simply follow the baking instructions in the recipe.

Q: How long do cabbage roll meatballs last in the fridge? Cabbage roll meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.

Q: Can I freeze cabbage roll meatballs? Yes, you can freeze cabbage roll meatballs for up to 2-3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked cabbage for cabbage roll meatballs? It is recommended to use raw cabbage leaves for cabbage roll meatballs. Pre-cooked cabbage may become too soft and lose its texture during baking.

Q: Can I use a different sauce for serving? Yes, you can experiment with different sauces such as marinara sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a creamy mushroom sauce to serve with cabbage roll meatballs.

Q: Are cabbage roll meatballs gluten-free? Cabbage roll meatballs can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitutes for binding the meat mixture.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Wine

1. Pinot Noir: The light to medium-bodied nature and fruity flavors of Pinot Noir complement the savory and herbal notes of cabbage roll meatballs.
2. Sangiovese: This Italian red wine offers a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness, making it a suitable choice to pair with cabbage roll meatballs.
3. Chardonnay: If you prefer white wine, a lightly oaked Chardonnay with flavors of tropical fruits and a creamy texture can complement the richness of the meatballs.
4. Zinfandel: The bold and jammy flavors of Zinfandel can stand up to the robust flavors of the meatballs and add a hint of sweetness to the pairing.

Cocktails

1. Moscow Mule: The refreshing blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime in a Moscow Mule can offer a zesty and effervescent contrast to the hearty meatballs.
2. Negroni: The bitter-sweet flavors of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a Negroni can provide a sophisticated and complex accompaniment to the flavors of the dish.
3. Margarita: The tangy and citrusy flavors of a Margarita, made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, can provide a vibrant and refreshing pairing option.
4. Whiskey Sour: The combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a Whiskey Sour can balance the flavors of the meatballs with its tart and sweet profile.
5. Bloody Mary: The savory and spicy notes of a Bloody Mary, made with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, can complement the savory flavors of cabbage roll meatballs.

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Cabbage Roll Meatballs

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming

Traditional cabbage rolls are labor intensive and take up a fair amount of the day between the preparation of the filling, parboiling the cabbage, preparing the leaves for stuffing, and then finally slow roasting them in the oven. These Cabbage Roll Meatballs have the same great flavor and are ready in minutes, not HOURS! This entire kid-friendly meal is ready in just over 30-minutes.

4.34 from 3 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course dinnery

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 276 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked converted rice [See Notes 1]
• 1/2 cup onion , minced
• 1 tsp garlic , minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning spice blend [See Note 2]
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1/4 cabbage , finely diced for meatballs
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce [See Note 3]

For the Sauce:

• 3/4 cabbage , finely julienne for sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked converted rice , optional [See Note 1]
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes, diced with juices
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided [See Note 3]

Instructions

 

• Add the ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Add the rice, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, salt, pepper, onions, Italian seasoning blend, egg, onions, and garlic and mix until well combined. Once combined, add the finely chopped cabbage set aside for the meatballs and mix until combined. Then form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
• Heat a large sauce pot of dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil into the bottom of the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add the reserved tomato sauce (24 ounces) to the sauce pot along with the diced tomatoes. Stir in the rice for the sauce (optional) and the cabbage for the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Gently stir until combined, taking care not to break up the meatballs.
• Cover tightly with a lid or some aluminum foil and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice in the meatballs is cooked through.
• Serve on mashed potatoes or alone with the simmered cabbage and rice.

Notes

1). Converted rice, like Uncle Bens, is a parboiled, long-grain rice that cooks quicker than a traditional rice. It is available in both white and brown.2). Italian Seasoning Spice Blend is a blend of spices sold on the spice aisle and not the salad dressing seasoning packet. 3). The 1/2 cup of sauce will come from the 28-ounce can used for the sauce. The sauce will use the other 24-ounces of tomato sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 22gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 585mgPotassium: 651mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 276IUVitamin C: 58mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 116µgCalcium: 86mgFolate: 80µgIron: 3mgZinc: 5mg

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