Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes combines the heartiness of traditional sloppy joes with the comfort of stuffed cabbage. This dish will introduce you to a fusion of flavors and textures while still maintaining the simplicity of a classic sloppy joe recipe. Whether you are a fan of stuffed cabbage or love a good sloppy joe, this recipe is sure to please.

Photos of Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are easy to find in your local supermarket. However, do pay special attention to the type of cabbage you select. Make sure to choose a cabbage that is firm and has crisp, tightly packed leaves. It's crucial for the cabbage to hold its shape and texture in the dish. Also, for the ground beef, choose lean ground beef for a less fatty end product.

Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Butter: A dairy product that adds creaminess and helps in sautéing the cabbage and beef.

Cabbage: The star ingredient, it adds crunch and holds the sloppy joe mixture.

Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Ground beef: The main protein component, it brings out the hearty flavor of sloppy joes.

Kosher salt: Used for seasoning.

Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and flavor.

Garlic clove: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: contributes a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.

Tomato sauce: Gives a rich, tomatoey base to the dish.

Beef broth: Enhances the beefy flavor, making the dish more savory.

Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.

Brioche buns: Slightly sweet, soft, and perfect for holding the mixture.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top, adding a creamy, cheesy layer.

One reader, Johna Beers says:

This stuffed cabbage sloppy joes recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender cabbage, savory beef, and gooey mozzarella is simply irresistible. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so comforting. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious meal.

Johna Beers

Techniques Required for Making Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

How to cook the cabbage: In a large skillet, add the butter to the pan on medium-high heat and cook the cabbage until crisp on both sides, stirring occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes.

How to brown the beef and onions: Remove the cabbage and add the ground beef and onions to the skillet. Cook until well browned for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart but leaving some chunks about the size of a raspberry or small grape.

How to make the sloppy joe mixture: Add half of the cooked cabbage, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well and continue cooking until the sauce starts to evaporate and the mixture becomes sloppy for about 5 to 6 minutes.

How to assemble the stuffed cabbage sloppy joes: Toast the brioche buns, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the buns and top with sliced mozzarella and the remaining cabbage.

How To Make Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes’ stuffed cabbage recipe is a healthy meal made with mozzarella cheese, crisp cabbage, fresh tomato, and beef gravy assembled in one bun.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tbspbutter,divided
1cabbage head,chopped
1yellow onion,diced
1½lbsground beef
½tspkosher salt
¼tspcoarse ground black pepper
1garlic clove,minced
1tbspworcestershire sauce
1cuptomato sauce
1cupbeef broth
1tbspcornstarch
6brioche buns,toasted
8ozmozzarella cheese,sliced

Instructions

In a large skillet, add the butter to the pan on medium-high heat and cook the cabbage until crisp on both sides, stirring occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the cabbage and add the beef and onions, cooking well, breaking it apart but leaving some chunks about the size of raspberry or small grape.
Cook until well browned for 5 to 6 minutes, then add in half the cooked cabbage, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch before adding it to the pan along with the cooked beef and stirring well.
Continue cooking until the sauce starts to evaporate and the mixture becomes sloppy for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Toast the buns then spoon over the mixture and top sliced mozzarella and the remaining cabbage.

Nutrition

Calories: 664.18kcal
Fat: 41.60g
Saturated Fat: 19.81g
Trans Fat: 1.65g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.93g
Carbohydrates: 37.80g
Fiber: 5.87g
Sugar: 10.99g
Protein: 35.45g
Cholesterol: 134.51mg
Sodium: 1041.20mg
Calcium: 394.40mg
Potassium: 911.81mg
Iron: 5.18mg
Vitamin A: 160.84µg
Vitamin C: 63.59mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

To ensure your cabbage cooks evenly and crisps up nicely, cut it into similar-sized pieces before adding it to the skillet. Also, don't overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the cabbage in batches. This will allow each piece to come into direct contact with the heat, resulting in a better texture and flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks in parallel to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Time-saving gadgets: Utilize kitchen tools such as food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and save time on decision-making.

Substitute Ingredients For Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Recipe

butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter and adds a rich flavor to the dish.
cabbage head - Substitute with collard greens: Collard greens have a similar sturdy texture and can be used as a substitute for cabbage in this recipe.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for yellow onions in this recipe.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and can be used as a healthier substitute in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt and provides a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick similar to black pepper in this recipe.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic and provides a convenient alternative in this recipe.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for worcestershire sauce and adds a savory umami flavor to the dish.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce and provide a chunkier texture to the dish.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth and adds a rich flavor to the dish.
cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce in this recipe.
brioche buns - Substitute with hamburger buns: Hamburger buns can be used as a substitute for brioche buns and provide a lighter option for serving the stuffed cabbage sloppy joes.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella cheese and adds a rich, sharp flavor to the dish.

Presenting Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

Elevate the cabbage: Gently wilt the cabbage leaves to create a delicate and visually appealing base for the dish.
Artfully arrange the sloppy joe mixture: Carefully spoon the flavorful sloppy joe mixture onto the cabbage, ensuring an even distribution and an enticing presentation.
Melt the mozzarella to perfection: Melt the mozzarella cheese over the warm sloppy joe mixture, allowing it to cascade and create a visually stunning and appetizing display.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the visual appeal and elevate the flavors of the dish.
Serve with precision: Plate the stuffed cabbage sloppy joes with attention to detail, ensuring that each element is thoughtfully presented for an exquisite dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making This Recipe

Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is an essential tool for cooking the ground beef and onions in this recipe.
Large skillet: A larger skillet is recommended for cooking the cabbage to ensure even cooking and browning.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring and flipping the cabbage and ground beef while cooking.
Whisk: A whisk is necessary for combining the cornstarch with the beef broth to create a smooth mixture.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet may be used for toasting the brioche buns before assembling the stuffed cabbage sloppy joes.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is essential for chopping the cabbage, onions, and garlic with precision.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and meat.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the ingredients such as butter, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce.
Cheese grater: A cheese grater may be used to grate the mozzarella cheese for topping the stuffed cabbage sloppy joes.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the cabbage, ground beef, and sauce mixture while cooking.

Storing and Freezing Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

Let the stuffed cabbage sloppy joes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the sloppy joes mixture, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
The frozen sloppy joes mixture can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the frozen sloppy joes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Once thawed, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and bubbling. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the mixture seems too thick.
Note: It's best to freeze the sloppy joes mixture without the buns and cheese. When you're ready to serve, reheat the mixture and assemble the sandwiches with fresh, toasted buns and melted cheese for the best texture and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

The best way to reheat leftover stuffed cabbage sloppy joes is in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Another option is to reheat the sloppy joes in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking. The damp paper towel will help keep the mixture moist.
For a crispy twist, place the leftover sloppy joe mixture on a baking sheet and top with extra shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges start to crisp up.
If you have leftover brioche buns, you can also reheat the sloppy joes directly in the buns. Wrap each assembled sloppy joe in foil and place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will also help to crisp up the buns.
For a quick and easy lunch, transform your leftover sloppy joes into a stuffed bell pepper. Cut the top off a bell pepper, remove the seeds, and fill with the heated sloppy joe mixture. Top with extra cheese and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pepper is tender and the filling is hot.

Interesting Trivia About Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

The stuffed cabbage sloppy joes recipe is a delicious fusion of two classic dishes, combining the flavors of stuffed cabbage with the convenience of sloppy joes. This unique recipe offers a creative twist on traditional comfort food, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this stuffed cabbage sloppy joes recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients in your area. Ground beef and cabbage are generally affordable, making this a budget-friendly option. The addition of brioche buns and mozzarella cheese may increase the overall cost. Considering the use of common pantry staples and the potential to feed a family of four, this recipe could be a cost-effective choice. The overall verdict for this dish would be 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying meal.

Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This stuffed cabbage sloppy joes recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

The use of butter and ground beef contributes to high levels of saturated fat
Brioche buns are typically high in calories and refined carbohydrates
Mozzarella cheese adds additional saturated fat and calories to the dish
The recipe lacks significant sources of fiber and nutrients from vegetables, apart from the cabbage

However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing taste:

Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce saturated fat content
Use whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps to increase fiber intake and lower refined carbohydrates
Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace it with a healthier cooking oil like olive oil
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, to boost nutrient density
Use reduced-fat mozzarella cheese or omit it altogether to cut down on calories and saturated fat
Consider adding herbs and spices like oregano, basil, or smoked paprika to enhance flavor without relying on excess salt or fat

Editor's Opinion on Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

The combination of stuffed cabbage and sloppy joes in this recipe is a unique and innovative twist on a classic dish. The use of buttery cabbage and savory ground beef creates a delicious and hearty filling, while the addition of Worcestershire sauce and mozzarella cheese adds depth and richness to the flavors. However, the cooking time for the cabbage may be a bit long, resulting in overcooked cabbage. Consider adjusting the cooking time to ensure the cabbage retains its texture. Overall, this recipe offers a creative and satisfying take on a beloved comfort food.

Enhance Your Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with fresh herbs

Garlic Bread: Warm and crispy garlic bread brushed with herb-infused olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan cheese

Similar Recipes to Try

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy chicken alfredo recipe is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It's the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This roasted vegetable quinoa salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's packed with roasted veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert that's perfect for a hot summer day. It's made with creamy coconut milk, sweet mango, and healthy chia seeds for a delicious treat.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Combine creamy spinach and artichoke dip with crispy tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more. The rich and savory flavors of the dip pair perfectly with the crunch of the chips, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion. Filled with a delicious mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, each bite is bursting with flavor. The tender mushrooms provide the perfect vessel for the savory filling, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that will impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Recipe:

This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic sloppy joe, incorporating the wholesome flavors of cabbage and the comforting appeal of stuffed cabbage. The combination of savory ground beef and the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch. With the use of brioche buns and a medley of aromatic spices, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dining experience. Trust in the expertise and creativity behind this recipe for a memorable meal that will surely impress your taste buds.

Want to share your own twists on this Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes Recipe or discuss other creative ways to enjoy cabbage? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese would all work well with this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed cabbage sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. Just keep in mind that ground turkey may have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to ground beef.

Can I use a different type of bun for this recipe?

Certainly! You can use any type of bun you like for this recipe. Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness, but hamburger buns, pretzel buns, or even whole wheat buns would all be delicious choices.

Can I freeze the leftover stuffed cabbage sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover mixture for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.