Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Description
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a delicious blend of ground meat, rice, and herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This Italian twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls adds Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
- Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water for 2–3 minutes. As the leaves soften, peel them off one by one with tongs.
- Set the leaves aside and let them cool. Trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base to the top, securing the filling inside. Repeat with remaining leaves.
4. Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
6. Serve
Let the cabbage rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes & Tips
- Cabbage Alternative: If you don’t have time to boil the cabbage, freeze it overnight and thaw it before use. The leaves will soften naturally.
- Meat Choices: You can use all beef, a mix of beef and pork, or even ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake when ready.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place assembled rolls in a slow cooker, pour sauce over them, and cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Servings
This recipe makes 4–6 servings (about 10–12 rolls).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Helps build muscle and keep you full.
- Rich in Fiber: Cabbage and rice provide fiber for digestion.
- Loaded with Antioxidants: Tomatoes and cabbage contain vitamins C and K.
- Low in Calories: A satisfying meal that fits into a balanced diet.
Q&A Section
1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but green cabbage is more tender and easier to roll. Red cabbage has a slightly firmer texture and a different flavor.
2. What can I use instead of rice?
You can substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), or breadcrumbs.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat for lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of beans for a hearty vegetarian filling.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Enjoy your Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! Let me know if you need any modifications or serving suggestions. 😊🍽️