Description
Kohlrouladen, or German stuffed cabbage rolls, are tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground beef and simmered in a creamy, savory broth. A comforting and traditional main dish perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- For the filling:
- 500 g ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small white bread roll, soaked in water or milk and squeezed dry
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the rolls:
- 1 large white or green cabbage
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks
- For the sauce:
- 120 g smoked beef strips or diced smoked beef
- 250 ml beef broth
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch 8–10 cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain, pat dry, and trim thick stems.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread roll, egg, onion, paprika, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly. Secure with twine or toothpicks.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the smoked beef until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Add cabbage rolls to the pan and brown on all sides.
- Return smoked beef to the pan. Add beef broth, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Uncover, add heavy cream, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry if thicker sauce is desired.
- Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use cooked rice instead of bread roll for a gluten-free or lighter filling.
- Make the rolls a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Trim thick stems from cabbage leaves to prevent tearing when rolling.
- Freeze cooked rolls with sauce for up to 2 months.
- Add nutmeg to the sauce for a traditional European touch.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 rolls
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
