Description
Classic cabbage rolls get a Halloween twist! Tender leaves wrap around a savory meat-and-rice filling, simmered in rich tomato sauce, then topped with eerie black olive “eyeballs.” Equal parts cozy and creepy, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your Halloween dinner.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
-
1 large head green cabbage (or Swiss chard/collards)
-
1 lb ground beef or turkey
-
½ cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 large egg
-
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce
-
2 cups tomato sauce (or favorite marinara)
-
¼ cup water
For the Spooky Touch
-
10–12 black olive slices (the “eyeballs”)
Instructions
-
Prep Cabbage: Boil whole cabbage in salted water 8–10 min. Peel off 10–12 softened leaves. Trim thick stem ribs.
-
Mix Filling: Combine ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt & pepper. Mix gently until combined.
-
Roll ‘Em Up: Place 2–3 tbsp filling on bottom of each leaf. Fold sides in, roll tightly like a burrito. Place seam-side down in baking dish.
-
Sauce It: Pour tomato sauce + water evenly over rolls. Cover dish with foil.
-
Bake: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 45 min.
-
Add Eyes: Remove foil, press 2 olive slices on top of each roll. Return to oven uncovered for 10 more minutes.
-
Serve: Spoon extra sauce over rolls, let the “eyeballs” stare back at your guests, and enjoy!
Notes
-
Meatless Monster: Swap meat for lentils + mushrooms.
-
Fiery Phantom: Add jalapeño or red pepper flakes to filling.
-
Spanish Twist: Use chorizo + saffron rice.
-
Cheesy Ghoul: Hide a cube of mozzarella in the center of the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320Cal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 24g