MediterraneanMedium · Hot
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground beef, feta, and rice, baked in a buttery broth until fragrant and served with a dollop of yogurt and fresh dill.
25 min
45 min
1h 10m
Method
Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tsp salt. Core the cabbage head and place it whole in the boiling water, loosening outer leaves with tongs as they soften, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and carefully separate 12-14 large, intact leaves. Trim the thick rib from each leaf to make rolling easier. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes, breaking apart any clumps. Drain excess fat if needed.
[" Note: Raw rice is mixed into the filling; ensure baking time is sufficient for rice to fully cook through (rice should reach 100°C/212°F for doneness)."]
Preheat oven to 190C (375F). Spread the 1 tbsp butter and drizzle the white vinegar into a large baking dish (9x13 inch). Pour the chicken broth into the dish.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage leaves are tender and the rolls are heated through with lightly golden edges. The internal temperature of the filling should reach at least 71C (160F). Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Arrange the mini rolls on a warm platter. Spoon some of the pan juices over the top. Serve with a generous dollop of yogurt and a heavy shower of fresh dill.
Nutri-Score
Fair balance
A–E · lower is better · score 4
Calories
583
per serving
Protein
39g
Carbs
34g
Fat
31g
Sat. fat
15g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
1840mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
11
per serving
Water
0.9m³
Land
261Pt
Runoff
0.2g P
Ground Beef drives 92% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Internal filling temperature must reach 71C (160F) minimum to ensure ground beef is safely cooked. Use a calibrated food thermometer inserted into the center of the filling.
Cross Contamination
Raw ground beef drippings may cross-contaminate surfaces. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw beef.
Raw egg in the filling mixture is combined with cooked beef. Ensure all beef is fully browned before mixing to minimize egg exposure to undercooked meat juices.
High Risk Population
Pregnant individuals, young children, elderly, and immunocompromised persons should ensure beef reaches safe temperature and eggs are fully cooked. Consider using pasteurized eggs if serving to vulnerable populations.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover mini rolls within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat to 74C (165F) before consuming leftovers.
Shelf Life
Dairy-containing dishes with meat have moderate shelf-life. Consume within 3-4 days refrigerated or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw safely in refrigerator overnight.
Handling
When separating cabbage leaves from boiling water, use tongs to prevent scalding. Leaves should be cooled before handling to roll.
Pro Tips
Technique
When you boil the whole cabbage, use tongs to gently peel away each leaf as it softens—this way you get the biggest, most intact sheets for rolling, and you won't tear the delicate ones meant for the outside of the roll.
Substitution
If good feta is hard to find, crumble a bit of farmer's cheese or fresh white cheese with a small splash of white vinegar to give it that same gentle tang.
From the chef
These little cabbage rolls are pierogi cousins — ground beef and feta tucked into softened leaves, rolled tight, and baked slow in butter and broth until the filling becomes dense and savory and the whole kitchen fills with the smell of something good. The feta is not a fancy addition; it just melts into the beef and makes the filling richer without asking any fuss. A head of cabbage goes a long way if you treat it with a little patience, and whatever leaves are left over go into tomorrow's soup. Finish with a heavy shower of dill and a dollop of yogurt, because that is how you wake up the whole pot.
Source: generated · June 13, 2026