Baked Stuffed Cabbage Spiral Pie
Baked Stuffed Cabbage Spiral Pie is a delicious twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, combining tender cabbage leaves, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich tomato sauce in a beautiful spiral-shaped pie. Instead of rolling individual cabbage leaves, the filling is wrapped inside softened cabbage leaves and arranged in a spiral pattern before baking.
As it cooks, the flavors blend together into a hearty, comforting dish with tender cabbage, a juicy meat filling, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This impressive yet budget-friendly recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or anyone looking for a creative way to enjoy classic stuffed cabbage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– A beautiful spiral design: Creates an attractive centerpiece for your dinner table.
– Classic stuffed cabbage flavor: Enjoy the traditional combination of cabbage, beef, rice, and tomato sauce.
– Perfect comfort food: Warm, hearty, and satisfying for the whole family.
– Easy to prepare ahead: Assemble the pie in advance and bake when needed.
– Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses simple ingredients to make a filling homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cabbage Spiral
– 1 large green cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– ½ cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Cheesy Topping
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Baked Stuffed Cabbage Spiral Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Carefully separate 10–14 large leaves, depending on the size of the cabbage.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cabbage leaves in batches. Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, until they are soft and flexible but not falling apart.
Transfer the leaves to a colander and let them cool. Pat them dry and trim the thick central veins so the leaves can bend easily without tearing.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add half of the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, optional sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce develops a rich flavor. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Beef and Rice Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, remaining chopped onion, egg, parsley, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.
Step 4: Fill the Cabbage Leaves
Place a softened cabbage leaf on a clean work surface. Add a thin, even layer of the beef and rice mixture near the base of the leaf.
Fold in the sides slightly, then roll the leaf into a long, compact strip. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
If some leaves are small, overlap two leaves slightly to create a longer strip. Keep the rolls firm enough to hold together but avoid squeezing out the filling.
Step 5: Arrange the Spiral Pie
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a round, oven-safe baking dish.
Starting at the center of the dish, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in a spiral pattern, working outward toward the edges. Place each roll close to the previous one so the spiral stays together.
If your rolls are long, gently curve them around the center. If they are shorter, arrange them end to end to form a continuous spiral.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage spiral, making sure the rolls are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50–65 minutes, depending on the thickness of the rolls and the size of the dish.
Check that the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
If the cabbage still feels firm, cover the dish again and continue baking in 10-minute increments.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
If you want a cheesy finish, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
For a more browned topping, broil briefly for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the spiral pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, spoon extra tomato sauce over the top, and serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Spiral Pie
– Choose a large cabbage: Bigger leaves make it easier to create long rolls for the spiral.
– Do not overboil the leaves: They should be flexible enough to roll without becoming mushy.
– Dry the leaves thoroughly: Excess water can make the sauce watery.
– Use cooked rice: This helps the filling cook evenly and gives the pie a consistent texture.
– Keep the filling layer thin: Overfilled rolls can split during baking.
– Arrange the spiral tightly: This helps the pie maintain its shape when sliced.
– Cover while baking: Foil traps moisture and helps the cabbage become tender.
– Allow resting time: Resting helps the spiral hold together when served.
Easy Variations
Ground Beef and Pork: Replace half of the ground beef with ground pork for a richer, more traditional stuffed cabbage flavor.
Ground Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. Ensure the filling reaches 165°F (74°C).
Extra Cheesy Spiral Pie: Add mozzarella between the cabbage rolls and finish with a generous layer of Parmesan.
Spicy Tomato Sauce: Stir red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with cooked lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based ground alternative.
Extra Vegetables: Add grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or finely diced mushrooms to the filling.
What to Serve with Stuffed Cabbage Spiral Pie
This hearty pie pairs well with simple sides that complement its rich tomato sauce.
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Steamed white rice
– Garlic bread or crusty bread
– Roasted carrots and green beans
– A fresh cucumber and tomato salad
– Steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower
For a complete family dinner, serve a generous slice of the cabbage spiral pie with warm bread and a fresh green salad.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Allow the pie to cool, then store it in an airtight container with its sauce for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Place a portion in an oven-safe dish, add a spoonful of tomato sauce or broth if needed, cover, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cabbage spiral pie ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the cabbage rolls and arrange them in the baking dish with the sauce. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add extra baking time if the dish is cold.
Why are my cabbage leaves tearing?
The leaves may not be softened enough, or the thick central veins may be too firm. Boil the leaves until flexible and trim the thickest part of the vein before rolling.
Can I make this recipe without rice?
Yes. You can omit the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice, cooked lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
How do I keep the spiral shape from falling apart?
Roll the cabbage leaves firmly, arrange them snugly in the dish, and allow the pie to rest before slicing. Avoid adding too much filling to each leaf.
Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
Absolutely. A jar of tomato or marinara sauce works well. Add garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning to make the flavor more robust.
How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?
The cabbage should be tender, and the center of the beef filling should reach 160°F (71°C). If using ground poultry, cook the filling to 165°F (74°C).
Printable Recipe Card
Recipe: Baked Stuffed Cabbage Spiral Pie
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 50–65 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Ingredients:
For the cabbage rolls:
– 1 large green cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 medium chopped onion
– 3 cloves minced garlic
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the tomato sauce:
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– ½ cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional topping:
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Soften the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then drain and trim the thick veins.
3. Prepare the tomato sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then adding the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Mix ground beef, cooked rice, egg, parsley, and seasonings.
5. Fill each cabbage leaf with a thin layer of the meat mixture and roll into long strips.
6. Spread some sauce in a round baking dish and arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in a spiral, starting from the center.
7. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls and cover tightly with foil.
8. Bake for 50–65 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
9. Add optional cheese and bake uncovered for another 8–12 minutes.
10. Rest for 10 minutes, garnish, and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
Baked Stuffed Cabbage Spiral Pie transforms traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into an attractive, satisfying dish that is full of homemade flavor. Tender cabbage leaves, savory beef and rice filling, and rich tomato sauce come together in a beautiful spiral that is perfect for sharing.
Whether you make it for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a comforting meal to enjoy throughout the week, this delicious cabbage pie offers a creative and flavorful twist on a timeless classic.