Introduction
It’s the kind of “simple ingredients, big payoff” dinner that feels like something a grandma would make when the house is full
and everyone’s hungry. You start with frozen bread dough (the ultimate shortcut), then build a savory filling with browned ground beef,
sweet onions, and tender cabbage. Wrap it all up in soft dough, bake until golden, and you’ve got a hearty stuffed bread that slices
beautifully and tastes even better the next day.Depending on how you shape it, this can become a stuffed bread roll, a braided loaf, a cabbage-and-beef calzone, or even hand pies.
The flavors are simple but satisfying: cabbage turns sweet as it cooks, onion adds depth, and beef brings richness.
Add garlic, paprika, pepper, or a little mustard and you instantly move into “Eastern European” or “cabbage roll” comfort territory.
The “regulations” for success are: thaw the dough properly (so it rises well), cook the filling until dry (wet filling makes soggy bread),
cool the filling before stuffing (steam can tear dough), seal the seams well, and bake until the internal bread is cooked through.
Follow these rules and you’ll get a stuffed bread that’s golden outside, fluffy inside, and packed with savory filling in every slice.
Ingredients
Base
- 1–2 loaves frozen bread dough (about 1 lb / 450 g each), thawed
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded (about 1/2 medium head)
- 2–3 tbsp oil (or butter)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
Seasoning (choose your vibe)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (start with 1 tsp, adjust later)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional, classic with cabbage)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, brightens flavor)
Optional add-ins
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (for “cabbage roll” vibes)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (adds richness)
For finishing
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Ingredient notes: Use lean ground beef if possible to reduce grease. The key is a filling that’s flavorful
but not wet. If you’re using very juicy cabbage, cook it long enough to evaporate excess moisture.
