Old Fashioned Authentic Hunky Halupki

Uncover a taste of tradition with this Old Fashioned Authentic Hunky Halupki recipe—a beloved Eastern European dish filled with comforting flavors and heartwarming nostalgia. Tender green cabbage leaves gently encase a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, pork, and fluffy white rice, all brought together with aromatic onions and a hint of garlic. Slowly simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce enriched with a touch of vinegar and sugar for balance, these stuffed cabbage rolls are irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a celebration of heritage, this time-honored recipe is made with love and patience, requiring simple ingredients and rewarding you with a meal that truly satisfies. Serve with fresh parsley and extra sauce for a comforting, old-world dish that feels just like home.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head Green cabbage
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 pound Ground pork
• 1 cup Cooked white rice
• 1 large Egg
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 2 cups Tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Tomato soup or puree
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon White vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Cut the core out of the cabbage and carefully add the cabbage to the boiling water. Cook for 5–10 minutes, or until the outer leaves become pliable and easy to remove.

Step 3

Remove the cabbage from the boiling water and carefully peel off 12–14 large leaves. Set them aside to cool. Trim down the thick vein at the base of each leaf without cutting through the leaf entirely.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5

Take one cabbage leaf and place about 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 6

In a large pot or Dutch oven, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in layers.

Step 7

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato soup (or puree), water, vinegar, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered in sauce.

Step 8

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer on the stovetop over medium heat. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low.

Step 9

Cook for 1.5–2 hours, basting the rolls occasionally with the sauce.

Step 10

Once cooked, garnish the halupki with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with additional sauce spooned over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2382.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3005.2

Total Fat 191.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 948.9mg	0%
Sodium 4227.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 35.7g
Protein 214.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 442.1mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2084.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.5%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 14.0%