Hello, my friends! 🥰 This comforting and wholesome dish brings together the best of Eastern European-inspired flavors in one satisfying bake. These Baked Cabbage and Meat Patties are tender on the inside, with a golden sear on the outside, and soaked in a rich, savory tomato gravy. Served alongside a refreshing sour cream and dill sauce, this recipe is the perfect balance of hearty and light.
Made with ground meat (a blend of pork and beef), shredded cabbage, fluffy basmati rice, and aromatic herbs, these patties are packed with texture and flavor. Whether served with mashed potatoes or a green salad, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this delicious home-cooked classic.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Time
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Preparation Time: 40 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10 patties
Cuisine: Eastern European Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Patties:
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3 eggs
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600 g (21 oz) cabbage, finely chopped
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500 ml (2 cups) water (for boiling cabbage)
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½ cup basmati rice
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1 cup hot water (for cooking rice)
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50 g (1.76 oz) butter
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2 onions, finely chopped
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1 large carrot, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt (divided between steps)
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½ tbsp sweet paprika
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1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
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500 g (17.6 oz) ground meat (beef & pork mix)
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Black pepper to taste
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½ tsp more salt for meat mixture
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Fresh dill, chopped
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Olive oil for frying
For the Tomato Gravy:
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3 tbsp flour
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50 g (1.76 oz) butter
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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500 ml (2 cups) water
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp dried garlic
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1 tsp dried onion
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1 tsp sugar (optional)
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3 bay leaves
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
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4 tbsp sour cream
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Fresh dill, chopped
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Salt to taste
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1 garlic clove, minced
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Rice and Cabbage
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Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add ½ tsp salt, and ½ cup basmati rice.
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Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until partially cooked.
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In a separate pot, boil 2 cups of water, then add the shredded cabbage with a pinch of salt. Boil for 10 minutes.
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Drain both rice and cabbage in a sieve and let cool completely.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
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Melt butter in a pan and add chopped onion. Sauté gently until just soft, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add grated carrot and cook another 3–4 minutes.
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Add garlic, salt, paprika, and dried herbs. Stir and cook briefly. Let this mixture cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, add ground meat, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Add the cooled onion-carrot mixture and mix again.
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Fold in the cooked rice, cooled cabbage, chopped parsley, dill, and sweet paprika.
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Crack in 3 eggs and mix until the mixture holds together well.
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Shape the mixture into 10 medium-sized patties.
Step 4: Sear the Patties
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Lightly sear each patty on both sides until golden—about 2–3 minutes per side.
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Transfer to a baking dish while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Tomato Gravy
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In a clean saucepan, melt 50 g butter. Stir in 2–3 tbsp flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant (like a roux).
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Add tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds.
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Slowly whisk in 500 ml cold water in batches to avoid lumps.
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Add salt, dried garlic, dried onion, and sugar (optional). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Drop in 3 bay leaves and cook for another minute.
Step 6: Bake the Patties
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Pour the warm tomato gravy over the patties in the baking dish.
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Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 25–30 minutes.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Dill Sauce
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In a bowl, combine sour cream, chopped dill, salt, and minced garlic.
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Stir until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
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Serve the baked patties hot with a generous spoon of creamy dill sauce on the side.
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Garnish with more fresh herbs and enjoy with potatoes, salad, or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce.
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Add a side of roasted vegetables or a cucumber salad.
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These also go wonderfully with crusty rye bread.
Cooking Tips
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Use a mix of beef and pork for a rich, juicy texture.
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Let the cabbage and rice cool completely to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
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You can freeze uncooked patties for later use.
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Double the sauce for an extra-saucy dish!
Nutritional Benefits
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Cabbage: High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
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Carrots and herbs: Add color, flavor, and micronutrients.
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Lean meat: Provides essential proteins and iron.
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Garlic and onion: Help boost immune function.
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Sour cream and dill: Rich in probiotics and digestive benefits when eaten in moderation.
Dietary Information
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Contains gluten (from flour; use GF flour for a gluten-free version)
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Dairy is present in butter and sour cream
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Nut-free
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Can be adjusted for low-carb diets by omitting rice
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 21 g
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Fat: 22 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 540 mg
Storage
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Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Freeze cooked or uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Defrost and bake with sauce when ready.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavorful & Comforting: A rich balance of tender meat, creamy sauce, and savory tomato gravy.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love this hearty meal.
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Meal Prep Ready: Make ahead and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week.
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Freezer-Friendly: Double the batch and save some for busy nights.
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Traditional with a Twist: Classic cabbage rolls, but simpler and baked in patties!
Recipe Conclusion
If you’re craving a cozy, home-cooked meal that brings family together, these Baked Cabbage and Meat Patties will hit the spot. Full of flavor, texture, and nourishing ingredients, this recipe is perfect for Sunday dinners or weeknight comfort. The combination of savory patties and bright, creamy dill sauce makes every bite irresistible. Save it, share it, and come back to it whenever you want something soul-warming and deeply satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use only beef or only pork?
Yes, but a mix adds more flavor and tenderness.
2. What if I don’t have Basmati rice?
You can use any long-grain rice or even cooked quinoa.
3. Can I skip the searing step?
Yes, but searing adds flavor and helps the patties hold their shape.
4. Is the tomato gravy spicy?
Nope—it’s savory and mild, but you can add chili flakes for heat.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and coconut yogurt for the sauce alternative.
6. How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Be sure to cool the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Eggs help bind everything.
7. Can I bake the patties without the sauce?
Yes, but they’ll be drier. Sauce adds moisture and richness.
8. What else can I add to the filling?
Grated zucchini, cooked lentils, or even shredded cheese work well.
9. Can I make these into meatballs?
Absolutely! Just shape smaller and reduce bake time to 15–20 mins.
10. Do I need to serve with the dill sauce?
It’s optional but highly recommended—it adds a fresh, creamy contrast.