Grandma's Simplified Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This traditional Hungarian recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls comes straight from my grandma's kitchen, but with a simpler twist that makes it easy for anyone to prepare. Packed with flavorful ingredients like crispy bacon, ground beef, and seasoned rice, these cabbage rolls are not only delicious but also a comforting family meal. The dish is finished off with a rich and tangy tomato juice simmer, making each bite a delightful experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe serves 12 and allows you to savor a taste of Hungary without spending hours in the kitchen.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1 (medium head)
Bacon
3 (slices)
Ground Beef
1 (lb)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Paprika
1/4 (teaspoon)
Onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Raw Potato
1 (cup, grated)
Cooked Rice
1 (cup)
Tomato Juice
2 (cups)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Let it wilt for about 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves are tender. Once wilted, remove the cabbage and allow it to cool slightly before peeling off 12 large leaves.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and chop it into small pieces. In the same skillet, combine the cooked bacon with ground beef, salt, garlic salt, paprika, chopped onion, grated potato, and cooked rice. Mix everything well until all ingredients are combined.
3
Take a cabbage leaf and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the leaf. Fold the sides in and roll up the leaf from the stem end to encase the filling. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used.
4
In the skillet used to cook the bacon, place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour the tomato juice over the rolls, making sure they are well covered. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let cook for 1 hour until the rolls are hot and the flavors have melded together.
5
Serve warm and enjoy the nostalgic taste of these easy-to-make cabbage rolls!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Simplified Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
It is a traditional Hungarian recipe from a grandma's kitchen, simplified for easy preparation, featuring ground beef, bacon, rice, and a tangy tomato juice simmer.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves 12 people.
How long should the stuffed cabbage rolls simmer?
The rolls should simmer for 1 hour until they are hot and the flavors have melded.
What meat is included in the filling?
The filling includes 1 pound of ground beef and 3 slices of crispy bacon.
How do you prepare the cabbage leaves?
Remove the core, boil the whole head for 3-5 minutes until tender, and then peel off 12 large leaves.
What is the unique vegetable addition to the meat mixture?
The recipe includes 1 cup of grated raw potato in the filling.
Should the rice be cooked or raw when mixing the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cooked rice.
What liquid is used to cook the rolls in the skillet?
2 cups of tomato juice are poured over the rolls for simmering.
What spices are used to season the beef mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt, garlic salt, and paprika.
How much paprika is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
How much chopped onion is needed?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much filling should be placed in each cabbage leaf?
Use about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture per cabbage leaf.
How should the bacon be prepared for the recipe?
Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces before adding it to the filling.
How do you roll the cabbage to ensure the filling stays inside?
Fold the sides of the leaf in and roll it up from the stem end to encase the filling.
How should the rolls be positioned in the skillet?
The rolls should be placed seam-side down in the skillet.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed as a simplified twist that makes it easy enough for weeknight preparation.
What type of cabbage should be used?
One medium head of cabbage is recommended.
How much garlic salt is included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Do you need to cover the skillet while simmering?
Yes, cover the skillet after bringing the tomato juice to a gentle simmer.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What flavor profile does the tomato juice provide?
The tomato juice provides a rich and tangy finish to the dish.
What makes this a 'comfort food'?
The combination of savory beef, crispy bacon, and seasoned rice simmered together makes it a comforting family meal.
How long should you boil the cabbage head?
Boil it for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Should the rolls be served warm or cold?
The cabbage rolls should be served warm.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein is ground beef.
How much salt is used in the filling?
One teaspoon of salt is used.
What is the texture of the cabbage leaves after boiling?
They should be tender and wilted enough to peel and roll.
Is this recipe authentically Hungarian?
Yes, it is a traditional Hungarian recipe passed down from a grandma's kitchen.