Dr. Noun’s Stuffed Cabbage is a recipe for when you crave comfort food done right. Deliciously tender cabbage leaves are filled with a mix of seasoned ground meat, rice, and spices before being baked in layers of tangy tomato sauce. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will not disappoint!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Health Benefits
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe
Dr. Noun’s Stuffed Cabbage rolls are like the warm, cozy sweater of the food world. Perfect for colder days or whenever your soul needs a little TLC. This dish comes from Eastern European roots and has been a family favorite for generations. Imagine tender cabbage leaves gently hugging a savory mix of meat, rice, and spices, then slow-baked in a rich tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. What makes this recipe even better? It’s versatile! You can add herbs for a fresh twist or even grated cheese for a gooey upgrade. Whether you’re new to stuffed cabbage or a longtime fan, this recipe is approachable, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.Why You’ll Love Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe
- Classic comfort food perfect for family dinners.
- Featuring tender cabbage leaves and a hearty filling.
- Easy to customize with herbs, spices, or cheeses.
- Make-ahead friendly; tastes even better the next day.
- Baked to perfection in a tangy tomato sauce.
Key Ingredients for Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage
- 1 head green cabbage: Large leaves make wrapping easier; Napa cabbage could work in a pinch.
- 1 pound ground meat (beef or pork): Turkey or chicken as leaner options.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Swap for quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Shallots or leeks could be a flavorful substitute.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder; try flaxseed for a vegan option.
- 2 cups tomato sauce: Marinara or even crushed tomatoes with seasoning works too.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to taste or use a sodium-free alternative.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground adds a punch.
- 1 tsp paprika: Provides extra warmth; smoked paprika adds depth.
- Optional: Parsley, dill, shredded carrots, or cheese for added flavor.
How to Make the Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare cabbage
Fill a large pot with boiling water. Add a cabbage head and blanch for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften. Remove leaves gently for stuffing.
- Make filling
Combine ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl. Stir until well-mixed.
- Roll cabbage
Place filling inside softened cabbage leaves. Roll tightly, tucking sides. Place seam-side down in a dish.
- Bake rolls
Preheat to 350°F. Layer rolls in a baking dish with tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
Expert Tips for Success for Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage
Blanch cabbage leaves just enough to make them pliable, not overcooked.Use a sharp knife to safely core the cabbage before boiling.
Don’t overfill cabbage leaves or they might tear during rolling.
Layer rolls snugly in the baking dish to keep them from unraveling.
Always taste the filling mix before stuffing to adjust seasoning.
Let the rolls rest for 10 minutes after baking to absorb the sauce.
Variations and Customizations of Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage
For a vegetarian version, use a mix of mushrooms and lentils instead of meat. Want a spicy kick? Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce. Craving more texture? Toss in shredded carrots or diced celery to the filling. For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.Health Benefits of Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe
Dr Noun’s Stuffed Cabbage is not only comforting but also nutritionally balanced. Packed with protein from the ground meat and egg, along with fiber from the cabbage, this recipe supports digestion and muscle health. The tomato sauce provides Vitamin C to boost immunity, while the cabbage itself adds antioxidants that promote overall wellness. It’s hearty, nourishing, and wholesome comfort food at its finest.Nutritional Information about Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe
Each serving of Dr Noun’s Stuffed Cabbage contains about 320 calories, making it a surprisingly hearty yet balanced dish. Packed with 15g of protein from the meat and egg, it’s a solid source of muscle-building nutrients. The 20g of carbohydrates mainly come from the rice, giving you a good energy boost, while 18g of fat (including healthy monounsaturated fats) add delicious richness. Plus, the cabbage provides a dose of fiber to support digestion, and you’ll find important vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron to round things out.Storage and Reheating Instructions for Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or bake covered at 325°F for about 15 minutes until thoroughly warmed. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.Recipe Card of Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage
Ingredients list
- 1 head green cabbage large
- 1 pound ground meat beef or pork
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For optional variation: parsley, dill, shredded carrots, or cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the whole cabbage and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves. Carefully remove softened leaves for stuffing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add about 1/4 cup of filling to the center. Roll up tightly, tucking in sides, and place seam-side down. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer rolls in a baking dish, adding tomato sauce over each layer. Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours until tender and flavors meld.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About Dr Nouns stuffed cabbage Recipe
Can I freeze Dr Noun’s Stuffed Cabbage?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad are excellent sides.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Use lentils, mushrooms, and a flax egg as filling substitutes.