Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

why make this recipe

Halupki, or stuffed cabbage, is a comforting and hearty dish enjoyed by many. It combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground beef and rice, all topped with a rich tomato sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week. Making Halupki is a time-honored tradition for many families, often passed down through generations. It’s a dish that brings people together and provides warmth on a chilly day.

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how to make Halupki

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves and blanch them for a few minutes until softened.
3. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture at the base, and roll it tightly, tucking in the sides.
5. Place the rolled cabbage into a baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, sugar, and lemon juice, and pour over the cabbage rolls.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

how to serve Halupki

Halupki can be served right from the baking dish. You can dish them out onto individual plates, adding some extra sauce from the bottom of the baking dish for moisture. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side. For an extra kick, some people like to top their Halupki with a dollop of sour cream.

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how to store Halupki

To store leftover Halupki, let them cool completely. You can place the stuffed cabbage in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

tips to make Halupki

• Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven for blanching the cabbage to ensure even cooking.
• Feel free to mix in different spices or herbs, such as garlic or parsley, to add more flavor.
• If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even try other grains like quinoa.
• For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of beans as the filling instead of meat.

variation

You can change up the filling to suit your taste. Some people add things like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as using a spicy marinara or adding some crushed red pepper to the tomato sauce for a kick.

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FAQs

1. Can I make Halupki ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Halupki ahead of time. Assemble them and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.

2. What can I serve with Halupki?
Halupki goes great with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light salad. Some people also enjoy it with mashed potatoes or rice.

3. Can I freeze Halupki?
Yes, Halupki can be frozen. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for about three months. Reheat them directly from the freezer without thawing for best results.

Halupki

Halupki, also known as stuffed cabbage, is a comforting dish made with tender cabbage leaves, a savory filling of ground beef and rice, and topped with a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Eastern European

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cabbage and Filling

• 1 large head large head of cabbage Choose a firm head for easy rolling.
• 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or a vegetarian option.
• 1 cup cooked rice Use brown rice for a healthier alternative.
• 1 medium onion, chopped Add more for extra flavor if desired.
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz) Use your favorite brand.
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz) You can use diced tomatoes if preferred.
• 1 egg Acts as a binder for the filling.
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to your taste.
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) Adds brightness to the dish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves and blanch them for a few minutes until softened.
3. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture at the base, and roll it tightly, tucking in the sides.
5. Place the rolled cabbage into a baking dish.

Cooking

1. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, sugar, and lemon juice, and pour over the cabbage rolls.
2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.

Serving

1. Serve hot and enjoy! Halupki can be served right from the baking dish with extra sauce for moisture. Pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

Store leftover Halupki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Feel free to add spices or herbs like garlic or parsley to the filling.

Yumi

Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]