Stuffed Cabbage Triangles with Meat, Rice, and Vegetables
Stuffed cabbage is one of those dishes that instantly brings comfort and familiarity to the table. This version reimagines the classic rolls in a more modern and practical shape, turning them into neat cabbage triangles that are just as flavorful and even easier to serve. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and vegetables, lightly fried for texture, then baked in a tomato and yogurt sauce until rich and comforting.
The result is a dish that feels rustic yet refined. It is filling without being heavy, layered with flavor, and perfect for family meals, weekend lunches, or occasions when you want something homemade that also looks impressive.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground meat
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 whole cabbage
- 80 g rice
- 200 ml water
- 2 teaspoons salt, for boiling
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 garlic cloves
- Vegetable oil, for frying and greasing
- 200 g additional cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 leek
- 1 tomato
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 100 g bacon
- 3 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon flour
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole cabbage for about 10 minutes, just until the outer leaves soften. Carefully remove the leaves one by one and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a small saucepan, bring 200 ml of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the rice for 12 to 15 minutes until tender. Drain and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, egg, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the onion, carrot, and leek. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté the vegetables until soft and lightly golden. Let them cool slightly, then add them to the meat mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Trim the thick central vein from each cabbage leaf to make folding easier. If the leaves are very large, cut them in half.
Step 6: Shape the Triangles
Place a spoonful of filling onto each cabbage piece. Fold the sides inward and then fold into a compact triangle shape.
Step 7: Fry the Triangles
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the cabbage triangles for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until lightly golden. This step adds flavor and helps them hold their shape during baking.
Step 8: Prepare the Sauce Base
In another pan, sauté the finely chopped extra cabbage in a little oil until slightly golden. Add the diced tomato, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 9: Assemble for Baking
Line the bottom of a baking dish with a few cabbage leaves. Arrange the fried triangles neatly on top and pour the tomato mixture evenly over them.
Step 10: Add Bacon and Bake
Scatter the chopped bacon over the dish. Pour in a small amount of boiling water, cover with foil, and bake at 180°C or 356°F for 30 minutes.
Step 11: Add the Yogurt Topping
Mix the yogurt and flour until smooth. Remove the dish from the oven, pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the cabbage triangles, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Step 12: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. Serve warm with extra yogurt or sour cream if desired.
Nutritional Information per Serving
- Calories: approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Vitamin C: high
- Iron: moderate
Why This Recipe Is Worth Making
These stuffed cabbage triangles offer everything people love about traditional stuffed cabbage, with a fresh presentation and easier handling. The filling is juicy and well balanced, the cabbage becomes tender and flavorful, and the tomato and yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy finish. The combination of textures makes every bite satisfying, while the triangular shape gives the dish a rustic yet elegant look.
Inspiration Behind the Dish
Stuffed cabbage dishes appear across many cuisines, especially in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Versions can be found in Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Greece, each with its own local variations. This recipe was inspired by the desire to simplify the rolling process while preserving the comforting flavors of the original. Folding the cabbage into triangles shortens preparation time and adds a distinctive visual touch, while staying true to tradition.
Ingredient Highlights
- Cabbage: Low in calories and rich in fiber and vitamin C, it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked.
- Ground meat: Adds richness and protein. Beef, pork, or a combination all work well.
- Rice: Absorbs juices from the meat and keeps the filling soft.
- Tomato sauce: Balances the richness with acidity and depth.
- Yogurt: Lightens the dish and adds a creamy, refreshing finish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C or 320°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warm. The cooked triangles can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Variations to Try
- Replace the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa for a vegetarian option
- Add paprika, chili flakes, or harissa for a spicier version
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking for a richer finish
- Increase the tomato sauce for a more saucy, stew-like dish
- Add herbs like oregano or feta cheese for a Mediterranean inspired flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cabbage triangles with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad adds a crisp contrast. For drinks, consider dry red wine, sparkling water with lemon, or herbal tea. A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side enhances the creaminess even more.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed cabbage triangles with meat, rice, and vegetables are a comforting classic with a practical, modern twist. Rich in flavor, satisfying, and beautifully presented, this dish brings together tradition and simplicity in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. It is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in any home kitchen.
