Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Halupky) 🥬🍖🍅

By: Rabia

Tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of beef, rice, and spices, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional dish — also called Halupky — is hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.

🥘 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: ~10–12 rolls (depending on cabbage size)

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 45 minutes

  • Total Time: 3 hrs 15 minutes

Dietary Badges:

  • Family Favorite

  • Freezer-Friendly

✅ Ingredients

  • 2 cabbage heads

  • 2 lbs ground beef

  • 3 cups boiled rice

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)

  • 1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

  • 2 thin slices onion, finely chopped

  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • ¼ cup meat-based tomato sauce (like spaghetti sauce)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

📖 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage

    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a whole cabbage head and carefully peel off the softened leaves one at a time.

    • Trim the thick rib from the base of each leaf with a sharp knife to make rolling easier.

  2. Make the Filling

    • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, egg, garlic, parsley, chopped onion, meat-based tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

  3. Assemble the Rolls

    • Place a cabbage leaf flat, spoon a small sausage-sized portion of filling onto the leaf, and roll up like a burrito (folding sides in, then rolling tightly).

    • Arrange seam-side down in a greased casserole dish. Place a layer of tomato sauce and a few extra cabbage leaves at the bottom of the dish to prevent burning.

  4. Add Sauce

    • Pour crushed tomatoes and the can of tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.

  5. Bake

    • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 75 minutes.

    • Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for about 90 minutes, until cabbage is very tender.

    • Baste rolls with sauce every hour for best flavor.

  6. Serve

    • Let cool slightly, then serve warm with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Recommended  Keto Buckeyes Recipe

🔑 Notes & Tips

  • For extra flavor, add ½ cup cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.

  • Use a mix of ground pork and beef for a more traditional flavor.

  • Don’t overstuff the cabbage leaves — they roll better with smaller portions.

🌟 Variations

  • Polish Style: Add a pinch of dill and caraway seeds to the tomato sauce.

  • Keto-Friendly: Swap rice for riced cauliflower.

  • Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.

❄️ Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze individual rolls with sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven until hot.

💌 Final Notes

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Halupky) are old-fashioned comfort food at its best — tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for cozy family meals, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.

Rabia
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