Description
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory meat and rice filling, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a hearty and nutritious meal, these stuffed cabbage rolls will not disappoint!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves soften. Remove the cabbage and gently peel off the leaves. If needed, return the cabbage to the water to soften more leaves. Pat the leaves dry and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll the leaf tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for the best texture.
- If the cabbage leaves are too thick, you can gently pound them with a rolling pin to make them more pliable.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Cabbage Rolls Recipe, Italian Comfort Food, Stuffed Cabbage, Easy Italian Recipes, Family Dinner Ideas, Healthy Cabbage Dishes