Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious and convenient meal that will have your family gathering around the table in no time, look no further than this Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage recipe. These savory buns are a surefire way to warm everyone’s hearts and bellies, with the convenience of frozen bread dough making the preparation a breeze.

I’ve been making these beef and cabbage-filled buns for years, and they’ve become a beloved staple at family get-togethers. The combination of tender beef, flavorful cabbage, and the golden crust of the bread dough creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

The sweet nostalgia of these stuffed rolls baking in the oven is truly special. Just like my grandma taught me, getting that cabbage chopped just right is key to bringing out the best flavors in this dish. So, if you’re in the mood for a taste of tradition and a whole lot of flavor, give this Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Quick Benefits

  • Convenient Prep: Frozen bread dough cuts down on kneading and waiting time, making this recipe quick and easy to prepare.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Ground beef can be substituted with pork or turkey, and cabbage can be interchanged with red or green cabbage for variety.
  • Balanced and Flavorful: Lean ground beef ensures a flavorful filling without being too greasy, complementing the vegetables well.
  • Make-ahead Option: Prepare the buns in advance, refrigerate, and bake them later, allowing for flexibility in meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole Recipe

  • Convenience and Ease: Utilizing frozen bread dough saves time and effort, making the preparation of these hearty beef and cabbage buns a breeze without compromising on flavor.
  • Family Favorite: This recipe has been a beloved staple at family gatherings for years, appealing to both young and picky eaters due to its comforting and nostalgic appeal.
  • Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet subtle flavor of cabbage complements the savory beef filling perfectly, creating a mouthwatering blend of ingredients that evoke memories of homemade comfort food.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients such as ground pork or turkey, different types of cabbage, or even add grated carrot for variety, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences.
  • Long-lasting and Freezable: These buns can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for longer storage, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
  • Old World Charm: This recipe pays homage to traditional Eastern European and Midwestern stuffed bread buns, offering a taste of heritage and nostalgia in every bite.
  • Balanced Meal Option: Pair these warm buns with mustard, pickles, salad, or soup for a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion, from cozy dinners to school lunches or party platters.

Ingredients for Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

Dough

  • 16 frozen unbaked rolls (Rhodes brand recommended)

Filling

  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups finely chopped cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 450 grams lean ground beef
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

Egg Wash

  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 egg

Pro Tips for Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

Pro Tip 1: For a time-saving option, use frozen bread dough like Rhodes brand. Thaw according to package instructions for easy prep without the need to knead or wait for yeast to rise.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different fillings by substituting ground pork or turkey for the beef, or trying red or green cabbage interchangeably. Adding a bit of grated carrot can provide both color and sweetness to the filling.

Pro Tip 3: To maintain a crispy crust, let the buns cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Individually wrap them in plastic or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the buns and reheat in the oven when ready to serve. Serve these warm with mustard or pickles, and pair with a side of soup or salad for a complete meal.

How to Make Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Proof Dough

Place frozen roll dough on parchment-lined baking trays, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof at room temperature until each roll doubles in size, about 3 to 5 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter, chopped onion, and chopped cabbage when meat is halfway cooked. Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle in flour as needed, and allow filling to cool slightly before handling.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Dough

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Dust a work surface with flour and flatten each risen dough ball into a 10 cm diameter round disk. Add a spoonful of cooled filling in the center, seal edges, neaten shape, and place seam side down on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat for remaining rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush each roll lightly with the mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown, rotating the tray halfway through baking for even color.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage buns, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. To refrigerate, wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. These buns can be refrigerated for up to five days, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to reheat for a quick meal.

For longer storage, the Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage buns freeze well. Simply thaw them and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy crust. This makes them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days or to have on hand for a quick snack or meal. Whether refrigerated or frozen, these savory buns will retain their delicious flavor and texture, ready to be enjoyed whenever you desire a comforting treat straight from the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to switch up the protein in this recipe, ground pork or turkey can be substituted for the lean ground beef. Both options will provide a flavorful filling without being overly greasy, maintaining a nice balance with the vegetables. Feel free to experiment with different meats to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

If you want to add some color and a slightly different texture to the filling, red cabbage can be used as a substitute for green cabbage. The vibrant hue of red cabbage will not only make the dish visually appealing but also contribute a unique flavor profile to the buns. Additionally, consider incorporating a bit of grated carrot for added sweetness and color variation in the filling.

If you prefer whole wheat dough or have it on hand, it can be used as a substitute for the frozen bread dough. This swap will provide extra fiber and a nuttier flavor to the buns. Just ensure the dough is fully risen before filling and shaping to achieve the desired texture and consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion with these Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage buns, try turning them into mini sliders for your next gathering. Simply slice each bun in half horizontally, add a dollop of mustard or your favorite sauce on the bottom half, then top with a pickle slice before covering with the bun’s top half. Serve them on a platter for a delightful and flavorful finger food option that will disappear in no time!

Another serving idea is to create a build-your-own bun bar at your next party. Set out bowls with different fillings such as a variety of meats (ground beef, pork, or turkey), assorted vegetables (cabbage, carrots), and condiments (mustard, pickles). Let your guests fill and customize their buns to their liking before baking. This interactive and customizable food station will be a hit with both kids and adults, adding a fun and delicious twist to your gathering.

FAQs for Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh bread dough works well for this recipe. Just make sure to let it rise fully before filling and shaping.

Why is lean ground beef recommended for this recipe?

Lean ground beef keeps the filling flavorful yet not too greasy, balancing nicely with the vegetables in the recipe.

Any tips for shaping and filling the dough for best results?

Work gently on a floured surface and avoid overstuffing each dough round for best sealing results when shaping and filling the dough.

Can I prepare the stuffed buns ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can shape and fill the dough, then refrigerate them covered until ready to egg wash and bake later.

Conclusion

As you embrace the coziness and deliciousness of making Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage in your own kitchen, remember that each batch is a labor of love that brings joy to those around your table. The simplicity of using frozen bread dough and the heartiness of the beef and cabbage filling make this recipe a true winner.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various settings. Get creative with substitutions and additions to make it your own, and don’t forget to savor every bite of these golden, savory buns.

So go ahead, let the aroma of freshly baked bread and savory fillings fill your kitchen, and relish in the tradition and warmth that Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage brings to your home. From my kitchen to yours, may your love for cooking and sharing delicious meals continue to blossom with each batch of these delightful stuffed buns.

Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

Frozen Bread Dough Beef Cabbage Casserole

“Flavorful beef and cabbage stuffed in frozen bread dough – a warm, nostalgic hand-held meal ready in no time!”
Prep Time35 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time55 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings16 Servings (16 filled rolls)

Ingredients

Dough

  • 16 frozen unbaked rolls (Rhodes brand recommended)

Filling

  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups finely chopped cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 450 grams lean ground beef
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

Egg Wash

  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Proof Dough: Place frozen roll dough on parchment-lined baking trays, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof at room temperature until each roll doubles in size, about 3 to 5 hours.
  2. Prepare Filling: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter, chopped onion, and chopped cabbage when meat is halfway cooked. Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle in flour as needed, and allow filling to cool slightly before handling.
  3. Shape and Fill Dough: 1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Dust a work surface with flour and flatten each risen dough ball into a 10 cm diameter round disk. Add a spoonful of cooled filling in the center, seal edges, neaten shape, and place seam side down on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat for remaining rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 30 minutes.
  4. Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush each roll lightly with the mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown, rotating the tray halfway through baking for even color.