Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls bring together tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish blends Italian flavors with the classic stuffed cabbage concept, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something hearty and flavorful. The combination of ground beef, rice, Parmesan, and herbs creates a satisfying filling, while the tomato sauce adds a rich and tangy depth. It’s a great make-ahead meal, freezes well, and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma while cooking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cabbage Rolls:
1 large green cabbage
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well until fully combined.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly, folding in the sides, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Arrange the cabbage rolls in the skillet, seam-side down, and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover and let simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
Turkey or Chicken Option: I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Cheesy Twist: Adding mozzarella cheese inside the rolls or sprinkling it on top before serving gives them a gooey, cheesy finish.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a bit of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
Low-Carb Alternative: Instead of rice, I use cauliflower rice to make it keto-friendly.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: These cabbage rolls freeze well. I place them in a freezer-safe container with the sauce and store them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, I warm them in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave them for a couple of minutes until heated through.
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FAQs
How do I keep the cabbage leaves from tearing?
Blanching the cabbage leaves in boiling water softens them, making them easier to roll without breaking. If needed, I remove the thick stem at the base to make folding easier.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the rolls and sauce a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, I simply heat everything together.
What can I serve with Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
I like to pair them with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, Savoy cabbage works well because of its softer texture, making it easier to roll. Napa cabbage is another good option.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker sauce, I let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Conclusion
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious twist on a traditional dish, packed with savory flavors and simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. Whether I make them for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for later, they always turn out satisfying and comforting. I love how easy they are to customize, making them a family favorite every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty meal blends classic Italian flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
1 large green cabbage
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well until fully combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly, folding in the sides, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over them.
- Cover and let simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Cheesy Twist: Add mozzarella inside the rolls or sprinkle on top before serving.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make it keto-friendly.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
