Pork
Powerproteinplates
Beef and Sweet Potato Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
By Powerproteinplates Test KitchenReviewed by Powerproteinplates Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Eastern European-Inspired
80 mins
high-proteinmeal-prep-friendlybalancedbudget-friendlyheart-healthyeasy-recipes
Savor these nutritious beef and sweet potato stuffed cabbage rolls, a high-protein, fiber-rich, and easy-to-make meal prep recipe. Budget-friendly and heart-healthy for balanced nutrition.
Prep
25 min
Cook
55 min
Total
80 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Eastern European-Inspired
Ingredients
Servings
6
- 1 medium head green cabbage
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 (14 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully remove about 12 large leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until flexible. Drain and set aside to cool.
-
Peel and grate the sweet potato using a box grater or food processor.
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated sweet potato, cooked brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, olive oil, and oregano. Set the sauce aside.
-
Lay a cabbage leaf flat and trim the thick vein at the bottom if needed to ease rolling.
-
Place about 1/4 cup of the beef and sweet potato mixture near the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly from stem to top to form each roll. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
-
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in a single layer.
-
Pour the tomato and broth sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.
-
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
-
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
To customize these Beef and Sweet Potato Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for various dietary needs or preferences while maintaining a balanced, protein-rich, and meal-prep-friendly profile, consider these ingredient swaps:
- Chicken or Turkey: Substitute lean ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein with similar benefits.
- Lean Pork: Use lean ground pork (90% lean or higher) for a different flavor while keeping the dish low-fat.
- Seafood: Replace ground beef with finely chopped shrimp or crab for a seafood-inspired twist.
- Vegetarian: Swap meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with sweet potato to maintain texture and protein.
- Vegan: Use mashed legumes such as black beans or chickpeas plus a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) to replace beef and egg.
- Legumes: Replace beef with lentils or black beans to increase fiber and plant-based protein affordably.
- Egg-Free: Use commercial egg replacers or flax/chia seed eggs for binding if avoiding eggs.
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free; add dairy-free yogurt if a creamier sauce is preferred, or omit completely.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Replace cooked brown rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs and fit ketogenic diets.
- Meal Prep: These substitutions maintain the recipe's suitability for batch cooking, reheating well while preserving flavor and nutrition.
Protein Highlight
This Beef and Sweet Potato Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is rich in high-quality protein thanks to lean ground beef, crucial for muscle repair and growth. Each serving combines protein with complex carbohydrates from sweet potato and brown rice, delivering sustained energy while supporting heart health. Ideal for meal prep, this satisfying recipe keeps you fueled and full longer, all while being budget-conscious and simple to prepare.
Goal Fit
Perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals, these Beef and Sweet Potato Stuffed Cabbage Rolls provide a balanced mix of lean protein, complex carbs, and fiber. The lean ground beef supports muscle recovery, while sweet potato and brown rice provide slow-digesting carbohydrates and dietary fiber for energy and digestive health.
Designed for convenient meal prepping, this recipe fits busy schedules and heart-healthy diets alike. Healthy fats from olive oil aid in nutrient absorption and promote satiety. Its budget-friendly and easy preparation makes it a go-to for anyone wanting nutritious meals that complement muscle-building, weight management, and cardiovascular wellness.
Protein Density
Featuring lean ground beef as the primary protein source, this recipe delivers a high protein density—meaning a rich protein content per serving without excess calories or fat. This makes it excellent for those pursuing balanced nutrition, muscle maintenance, or weight control.
Sweet potato and brown rice contribute valuable fiber and complex carbohydrates, complementing the protein with sustained energy and enhanced digestion. Combined, these elements create a heart-healthy, nutrient-dense meal prep recipe that suits athletes, fitness-focused individuals, and anyone seeking wholesome, balanced meals.
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