Easy Stuffed Grape Leaves

By
Saad Fayed
Saad Fayed
A restaurateur and food writer, Saad Fayed has published hundreds of recipes and articles about Middle Eastern cuisine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/19/22
Stuffed grape-vine leaves served as appetizer
gulfimages / Getty Images
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 14 servings
Yield: 70 rolls
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
115 Calories
5g Fat
8g Carbs
11g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 14
Amount per serving
Calories 115
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Sodium 1071mg 47%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 11g
Vitamin C 7mg 36%
Calcium 105mg 8%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 193mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Stuffed grape leaves are delicious and are such a comfort food. This recipe is easy to prepare compared to other Greek versions that call for more ingredients and soaking the grape leaves before filling with the meat mixture. Perfect when you don't have a lot of time, this recipe is simple and will have your guests begging for more.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 cup white rice, uncooked

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 (16-ounce) jar grape leaves

Steps to Make It

  1. Soak grape leaves in cold water for 2 to 3 hours. Jarred grape leaves are very salty from the brine solution.

  2. Rinse and drain in a colander. Set aside.

  3. In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Mix well with hands.

  4. Place a grape leaf stem-side down. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of mixture in the middle.

  5. Fold in the sides and roll upward. Think of rolling a burrito, only smaller.

  6. When you have rolled the last leaf, place a heavy plate on top of the stuffed grape leaves in your pan. We use a ceramic plate. This helps keep the grape leaves in place during cooking so they don't shift around.

  7. Fill pan with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes until rice and meat are done.