Looking for a cozy, hearty meal with bold Caribbean flavor? This Dominican Cabbage Stuffed with Beef and Rice, also known as niños envueltos, is the perfect comfort food. Each tender cabbage leaf is filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, seasoned with Dominican spices, herbs, olives, and a touch of sweetness from optional raisins. This traditional dish is full of heart and flavor—just like abuela used to make.
🧄 Ingredients
🥬 For the Stuffed Cabbage:
- 1 medium head of green or Savoy cabbage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
🥩 For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped olives (green or black)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently peel 10–12 large cabbage leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft but not falling apart. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Rice
If you haven’t already, cook the rice and allow it to cool. Day-old rice works best for this recipe because of its firmer texture.
3. Make the Beef Filling
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, oregano, and tomato paste. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, then add olives, raisins, soy sauce, vinegar, and broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the rice and let cool slightly.
4. Stuff the Cabbage
Trim any thick stems from the cabbage leaves. Place a spoonful of the beef and rice filling in the center, fold the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves.
5. Sear and Simmer
In the same pan, melt butter with a bit of olive oil. Add cabbage rolls seam-side down and brown for 4–5 minutes per side. Add 1/2 cup water or broth, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve
Serve hot with classic Dominican sides like tostones, mangĂş, or sliced avocado. Each bite is savory, soft, and packed with heritage.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Dominican Stuffed Cabbage
- Rich and hearty: A comforting meal full of satisfying textures and warm Caribbean spices.
- Authentic flavor: Made with traditional ingredients like olives, oregano, and tomato paste.
- Customizable: Try it with ground turkey or leave out the raisins if you prefer a savory-only version.
- Great for meal prep: These cabbage rolls store and reheat beautifully!
💬 Let’s Chat!
Have you tried this Dominican stuffed cabbage recipe? Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out! I’d love to hear your twist or favorite way to serve it. Sharing is caring—especially when it comes to recipes passed down with love. đź’›