Authentic German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Kohlrouladen)
Experience the rich flavors of traditional German cuisine with these Authentic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Kohlrouladen). Each roll is filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and fluffy rice, all enveloped in tender cabbage leaves. Topped with a tangy tomato sauce, these rolls are perfect for family gatherings or hearty weeknight dinners. Bake them to perfection for a comforting dish that warms both body and soul. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that transports you straight to Germany with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large cabbage
1 (cored and leaves separated)
Uncooked rice
1 cup (rinsed)
Beef stock
1 cup (hot)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Ground beef
1 lb (raw)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce) can (ready to use)
Water
1/2 cup (hot)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Vinegar
2 tablespoons (any type)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (powder)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the core from the large cabbage. In a deep pot or large bowl, place the cabbage and pour boiling water directly into the hollowed core, ensuring it is completely submerged. Allow the cabbage to sit for a few minutes until the leaves become tender and pliable.
2
Once softened, carefully drain the cabbage and separate the leaves. Use a knife to trim the hard rib at the bottom of each leaf to make rolling easier. Set the prepared leaves aside.
3
Line the bottom of a 12-cup casserole dish with any cabbage trimmings and torn or smaller leaves to prevent sticking.
4
In a saucepan, combine the uncooked rice, beef stock, and half a teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed.
5
While the rice is resting, heat two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is lightly browned through.
6
Once the beef is cooked, transfer the mixture into the saucepan with the rice. Mix well and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the beaten egg.
7
To assemble the cabbage rolls, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll them up tightly, tucking in the ends to secure the filling.
8
Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in layers within the prepared casserole, seasoning each layer with freshly ground pepper.
9
In a separate saucepan, mix the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, and half a teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then stir well and pour it evenly over the cabbage rolls.
10
Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 2 hours or until the rolls are tender. If you notice the rolls are drying out, add a small amount of hot water to the casserole during baking.
11
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade German Kohlrouladen! This recipe yields about 24 rolls, making it great for sharing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kohlrouladen?
Kohlrouladen are traditional German stuffed cabbage rolls consisting of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling.
What type of meat is used in authentic German cabbage rolls?
This authentic recipe uses one pound of ground beef, which is sautéed with onions before being mixed with rice.
How do you soften cabbage leaves for rolling?
Remove the core from a large cabbage and pour boiling water into the hollowed center while submerging the cabbage in a large bowl until the leaves are pliable.
What is the secret to making cabbage rolls easier to roll?
Trimming the hard rib at the bottom of each softened cabbage leaf makes them much easier to roll tightly.
How long should I bake German stuffed cabbage rolls?
The cabbage rolls should be baked in a preheated oven for approximately 2 hours or until they are completely tender.
What temperature is used to bake Kohlrouladen?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350°F (180°C) for baking the casserole.
How many cabbage rolls does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 24 cabbage rolls, making it ideal for large family gatherings.
How do I prepare the rice for the filling?
Combine one cup of uncooked rice with hot beef stock and salt, bring to a boil, then let it sit covered for 20 to 30 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What ingredients are in the cabbage roll sauce?
The sauce is a tangy mixture of tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, and salt.
Should I cook the beef before stuffing the cabbage?
Yes, the ground beef should be sautéed in butter with chopped onions until it is lightly browned before being mixed with the rice.
How do I prevent cabbage rolls from sticking to the pan?
Line the bottom of your 12-cup casserole dish with cabbage trimmings or smaller torn leaves to create a non-stick barrier.
What liquid is used to cook the rice in this recipe?
Hot beef stock is used instead of water to cook the rice to add more depth of flavor to the filling.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
One beaten egg is stirred into the cooled meat and rice mixture to act as a binder for the filling.
Can I use any type of vinegar for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifies that any type of vinegar can be used to provide the necessary tanginess to the tomato sauce.
What should I do if the cabbage rolls look dry while baking?
If the rolls appear to be drying out, you can add a small amount of hot water to the casserole dish during the baking process.
Is the sauce for Kohlrouladen sweet or savory?
The sauce is a balance of both, using brown sugar for sweetness and vinegar and dry mustard for a tangy, savory finish.
What size casserole dish is needed for this recipe?
A 12-cup casserole dish is recommended to fit the 24 stuffed cabbage rolls.
How much meat filling goes into each cabbage leaf?
Place approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat and rice mixture onto each prepared cabbage leaf.
How do you secure the cabbage rolls?
Roll the leaves up tightly and tuck in the ends to ensure the filling remains secure during the long baking process.
What is the best way to serve German cabbage rolls?
Serve them warm, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the extra tomato sauce.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one cup of rinsed uncooked rice for the best texture.
How long do the onions need to cook?
Sauté the chopped onions in butter for about 4 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
Can I use a lid or foil to cover the casserole?
Yes, cover the casserole with either a lid or aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
What kind of mustard is used in the sauce?
One teaspoon of dry mustard powder is used to give the sauce its distinct flavor.
Is salt added to the meat or the sauce?
Salt is divided; it is used both in the rice cooking liquid and within the tangy tomato sauce.
How is the pepper applied in this dish?
Freshly ground pepper should be seasoned over each layer of cabbage rolls as they are arranged in the casserole.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one whole onion, chopped and sautéed.
What makes this dish a 'one-dish meal'?
It is considered a one-dish meal because it contains protein, grains, and vegetables all baked together in one casserole.
Why do I need to let the rice sit for 20-30 minutes?
Letting the rice sit allows it to fully absorb the beef stock, ensuring it is tender before it is mixed with the beef.
What is the primary vegetable in Kohlrouladen?
The primary vegetable is a large head of cabbage, which serves as the wrapper for the meat filling.