Tony Packo’s Stuffed Cabbage – A Hearty & Flavorful Classic

Tony Packo’s Stuffed Cabbage – A Hearty & Flavorful Classic

Hey there! If you love comfort food with a Hungarian twist, you’re going to love this Tony Packo’s Stuffed Cabbage recipe. Known for its rich flavors, tender cabbage leaves, and savory meat filling, this dish is a true classic. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, these cabbage rolls are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Hungarian Flavor: Inspired by the famous Tony Packo’s Café.
• Hearty & Satisfying: A complete meal packed into one delicious roll.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

What Makes Tony Packo’s Stuffed Cabbage So Good?

The secret to this recipe lies in the perfect blend of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all wrapped in soft, simmered cabbage leaves and cooked in a rich, tomato-based sauce. The result? A dish that’s savory, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.

Tony Packo’s Stuffed Cabbage Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Cabbage:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 eggs
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) tomato soup
• 1 pound sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Core the cabbage and carefully submerge it in the boiling water.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the leaves soften, then remove and let cool.
4. Peel off large leaves and trim the thick center vein for easier rolling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, rice, eggs, half of the chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about ¼ cup of filling near the stem end.
2. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
3. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato soup, sauerkraut, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Cabbage

1. Layer some of the sauerkraut mixture on the bottom of a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
2. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on top.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or at 350°F for 2 hours in the oven).

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove the cabbage rolls carefully and spoon extra sauce over the top.
2. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Cabbage

• Make Ahead: These rolls taste even better the next day, so prepare them in advance!
• Want More Flavor? Add a dash of hot paprika for extra heat.
• Serve With: Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Let’s Talk Classic Comfort Food!

And there you have it—Tony Packo’s Stuffed Cabbage that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with incredible flavors! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. If you try it, leave a comment below or pin it on Pinterest for later. Enjoy!