Welcome to a recipe that promises to become a fast favorite in your home – these delightful **Cabbage and Beef Bundles**. Imagine a savory, hearty filling of seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage, all cozily wrapped inside a golden-brown crescent roll. It’s a dish that perfectly balances comfort food with a touch of elegance, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. And whatever you do, do not skip the irresistible horseradish mayo for dipping; it’s the secret ingredient that elevates these bundles from great to absolutely unforgettable!
If you’re a fan of the convenience and versatility of crescent rolls, you’ll definitely want to explore more culinary adventures. Don’t miss out on these other fantastic crescent roll creations: Chicken Crescent Rolls or these crowd-pleasing Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket.
Rediscovering a Family Favorite: The Story Behind Cabbage and Beef Bundles
This recipe for Cabbage and Beef Bundles holds a special place in my heart, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best dishes are those we rediscover. I originally shared this recipe years ago, back in 2010, when I was looking for something easy yet satisfying to add to our menu during a particularly hectic week. It had been ages since I’d made them, but the idea of a simple cabbage and beef filling wrapped in flaky crescent rolls sounded incredibly appealing.
Little did I know, these bundles would be an instant hit with the entire family, especially my husband! He devoured them with such enthusiasm that he even laid claim to the leftovers for lunch the very next day, a true sign of approval. For me, the real game-changer is the incredible horseradish mayo dipping sauce. While I understand horseradish isn’t for everyone, my husband and I absolutely adore its zesty kick. If you’re hesitant, trust me on this one – it beautifully complements the savory bundles, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor that you won’t want to miss. After such a resounding success, these Cabbage and Beef Bundles have undoubtedly earned a more frequent spot on our dinner rotation.
The Pillsbury Cookbook Connection
The journey to this recipe actually dates back even further, rooted in a charming tradition from my childhood. Years ago, my parents owned a “Play It Again Sports” store, which meant my mom spent nearly every Saturday morning scouring garage sales. She became quite the expert, always on the lookout for hidden treasures.
One particular item she consistently sought out were those compact Pillsbury magazine/cookbooklets, often found at grocery store checkouts. They seemed to hold a special appeal for her, and she frequently stumbled upon them for pennies at garage sales. As a result, I’ve inherited a nice, thick stack of these vintage cookbooks, most of them passed down from her.
It’s a shame, really, because when planning my weekly menu, I often overlook these little culinary gems. Yet, they truly contain some fantastic, time-tested recipes. The other day, determined to find something new (or rather, re-discover something old), I pulled a few out. Knowing I had ground beef in the fridge that needed to be used, I embarked on a search for inspiration. And there it was: this simple, yet profoundly delicious, recipe for Cabbage and Beef Bundles. It’s funny how sometimes the best discoveries are found right under your nose, waiting to be brought back to life.
Can you believe there was a time I didn’t care for horseradish? My palate has certainly evolved! Now, whenever I spot it in a recipe, it immediately catches my attention and makes me want to try it ASAP. I think that’s precisely why this particular recipe resonated with me so strongly when I first found it, and why it continues to be such a delightful surprise with every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cabbage and Beef Bundles
These Cabbage and Beef Bundles are more than just a meal; they’re a revelation for busy home cooks and discerning palates alike. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Effortless Preparation: Utilizing pre-made crescent roll dough simplifies the process dramatically, cutting down on prep time and making this a perfect weeknight solution.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Ground beef and cabbage are economical staples, meaning you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The warm, savory filling encased in a flaky, golden crust evokes a sense of home-cooked goodness that satisfies every time.
- Family Approved: From the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous, these bundles consistently receive rave reviews. The mild flavor of the cabbage and beef is universally appealing, and the fun, hand-held format makes them kid-friendly.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and gooey cheddar cheese is elevated by the unexpected kick of the horseradish mayo, offering a taste experience that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the filling to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Add different vegetables, spices, or cheeses for endless variations.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a comforting snack, or an impressive appetizer, these Cabbage and Beef Bundles deliver on all fronts. They’re a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the most delicious results.
Cabbage and Beef Bundles Recipe
Cabbage and Beef Bundles
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
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Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
Bundles:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 4 cups chopped Napa cabbage (or regular green cabbage)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 (8 oz each) cans crescent rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Horseradish Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and prepared horseradish. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve the bundles.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks until it is fully browned. During the last few minutes of cooking the beef, add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Stir the chopped Napa cabbage, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is crisp-tender and has significantly wilted down. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Cheese: Once slightly cooled, stir the shredded Cheddar cheese into the beef and cabbage mixture until well combined. The residual heat will help melt the cheese slightly.
- Assemble the Bundles: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 16 individual triangles. Gently press each triangle out slightly to form a slightly larger, flatter triangle. Place approximately 1/4 cup of the beef and cabbage filling in the center of the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Carefully roll the dough up, starting from the wider end, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges of the dough firmly to seal the mixture inside completely. Place the assembled bundles on an ungreased baking sheet, with the seam side down to prevent unrolling.
- Bake: Bake the bundles in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the warm Cabbage and Beef Bundles immediately with the chilled horseradish mayo for dipping. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
This recipe is slightly adapted from a classic Pillsbury recipe.
A serving size is typically 2 bundles. However, appetites vary; adults may desire more, while children might be satisfied with 1 bundle.
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only. Actual counts can vary based on specific brands and products used.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2 bundles
Calories: 403 kcal (20%)
Carbohydrates: 26 g (9%)
Protein: 18 g (36%)
Fat: 26 g (40%)
Saturated Fat: 9 g (56%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 47 mg (16%)
Sodium: 5553 mg (241%)
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 7 g (8%)
Keywords: crescent rolls, easy dinner, ground beef, cabbage, horseradish mayo, family-friendly, comfort food
Expert Tips for Making the Best Cabbage and Beef Bundles
While this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your Cabbage and Beef Bundles turn out perfectly every time.
Mastering the Bundling Technique
The original recipe note mentioned some confusion about how to “bundle” these up, and I experienced it too! Don’t fret if your first few aren’t perfectly symmetrical. The key is to place the filling securely in the wider end of the crescent roll triangle. Roll it up towards the pointy end, then firmly pinch the edges together at the sides and the top to completely seal the filling inside. Even if they look a little rustic, they’ll still taste amazing! Practice makes perfect, and even imperfect bundles bake beautifully and hold their shape once cooked.
Don’t Skimp on the Cabbage
Four cups of chopped Napa cabbage might seem like a lot when you first add it to the skillet, but trust the process! Cabbage dramatically cooks down, losing a significant amount of its volume as it softens. My version of this recipe actually uses more cabbage than the original, and I find that the extra quantity adds wonderful flavor, texture, and a healthy dose of vegetables to each bundle without overpowering the beef. It creates a satisfyingly full filling that isn’t watery.
The Essential Dipping Sauce
Seriously, do not skip the horseradish mayo! This dipping sauce is not just an accompaniment; it’s a star player that brightens and balances the rich, savory filling. The creamy, zesty kick of the horseradish cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, adding a layer of flavor that truly transforms the dish. My daughter, usually quite discerning, even enjoyed hers with the sauce, while my boys, true to form, preferred them plain. But for the adults, it’s an absolute must-try. If you’re sensitive to strong flavors, you can always reduce the amount of horseradish to your liking, but definitely include it in some capacity.
Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions
These bundles are fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare the beef and cabbage filling a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply stuff the crescent rolls and proceed with baking. Leftovers are also delicious! Store any extra baked bundles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. The bundles can also be frozen unbaked or baked. For unbaked, assemble and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time. For baked, freeze completely cooled bundles and reheat as needed.
Creative Variations
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Swiss, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
- Add More Veggies: Finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach could be added to the beef and cabbage mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or even a teaspoon of smoked paprika can add more depth to the beef filling.
- Different Meats: Ground turkey or chicken could be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Serving Suggestions for Cabbage and Beef Bundles
These savory Cabbage and Beef Bundles are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a light and fresh contrast, consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The bright acidity will beautifully cut through the richness of the bundles.
If you’re looking for something heartier, a simple roasted vegetable medley, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, makes an excellent companion. The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the savory bundles without overwhelming the palate. For a truly comforting meal, a warm bowl of tomato soup or a creamy potato soup would be a delightful pairing, perfect for dipping the bundles in.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Cabbage and Beef Bundles are sure to be a hit. They’re super easy to make, use very few ingredients, and consistently receive rave reviews from everyone who tries them. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to look through more of those little Pillsbury books for my next culinary inspiration!
More Kid-Approved Dinner Ideas You’ll Love:
Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnover Recipe
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Pizza Pasta
Pizza Cups
Sloppy Joe Mac n Cheese
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