Homemade Bierocks: Delicious German Cabbage Rolls for Winter Meals

Easy Homemade Bierocks: Delicious German Cabbage Rolls

Ah, the joy of cooking! There's nothing quite like preparing a hearty meal that not only warms the soul but also fills the freezer for those chilly winter nights. This year, I embarked on my annual tradition of making Bierocks, delicious German cabbage rolls filled with savory goodness. With my homegrown cabbages and a little creativity, I whipped up four batches in just two days! Let me share my recipe and tips for making these delightful rolls that your family will love.

What Are Bierocks?

Bierocks are traditional German pastries filled with a mixture of ground meat, cabbage, and other delicious ingredients, all wrapped in a soft dough. They are perfect for freezing and reheating, making them an ideal choice for quick winter meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade Goodness: Using fresh ingredients from your garden adds a personal touch to the dish.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling to your liking, adding veggies, grains, or your favorite seasonings.
• Freezer Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, Bierocks can be stored in the freezer for future meals.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Filling

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 2 lbs ground beef (or your choice of ground meat; I like to use wild game like elk or deer)
• 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water)
• 1/2 cup instant brown rice (optional)
• Your favorite seasonings (homemade spice blend, salt, pepper, etc.)

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dry milk
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons rapid rise yeast

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot. Sauté until softened.

2. Add Ground Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked.

3. Incorporate Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook until it shrinks down, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

4. Add Seasonings: Dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in hot water and pour it over the cabbage mixture. Stir in the instant brown rice (if using) and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Let the filling cool slightly.

2. Make the Dough

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and dry milk.

2. Add Egg and Yeast: Beat in the egg, then add the rapid rise yeast. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough comes together.

3. Knead: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

3. Assemble the Bierocks

1. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut it into squares, approximately 5x5 inches.

2. Fill and Seal: Place a heaping spoonful of the cabbage and meat mixture in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling and seal tightly.

4. Bake the Bierocks

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake: Place the Bierocks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Freezing and Reheating

To store, let the Bierocks cool completely before placing them in freezer bags or airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Making Bierocks is a wonderful way to preserve the bounty of your garden and create delicious meals for your family. With just a bit of time and effort, you can fill your freezer with these delightful German cabbage rolls that are perfect for any winter day. So gather your ingredients, get your family involved, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness!

FAQs

How do I know when my Bierocks are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top, and you can also check the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I use other vegetables in the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables or grains to customize your filling.

How long can I keep Bierocks in the freezer?

Bierocks can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-sealed to avoid freezer burn.