Description

A Comforting, Hearty Dish with an Italian Twist!

If you're craving a meal that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the comforting tradition of stuffed cabbage rolls, this recipe is for you! These tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, then simmered in a robust tomato sauce until perfectly tender.

This dish is hearty, nutritious, and full of bold flavors, making it a wonderful option for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or even meal prep. It’s a one-pot wonder that only gets better as the flavors meld, and it can easily be made ahead and frozen for a quick weeknight meal.

⭐ Hearty & Satisfying – A perfect balance of protein, grains, and vegetables, making it a complete meal.
⭐ Packed with Flavor – The combination of beef, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs creates an irresistible filling, enhanced by the rich tomato sauce.
⭐ Customizable – Use ground pork, turkey, or a meatless alternative for a different spin.
⭐ Meal Prep Friendly – Assemble ahead of time and freeze for a ready-to-go dinner on busy nights.

Ingredients

• For the Cabbage Rolls:
• 1 large green cabbage (about 12 leaves)
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for binding)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Tomato Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Method

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Remove tough outer leaves from the cabbage and set aside.
3. Simmer the whole cabbage stem-side up for 5 to 7 minutes and peel off softened leaves.
4. Trim thick ribs from leaves if necessary.
5. Chop the remaining cabbage core and add to tomato sauce for flavor.
6. In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; mix gently.
7. Lay a cabbage leaf flat, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling, fold sides, and roll tightly; repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
8. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
9. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper; simmer for a few minutes.
10. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet or baking dish, spoon sauce over them.
11. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, or bake covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the same time.
12. Remove bay leaf, serve rolls with additional sauce, and garnish with Parmesan or parsley; enjoy with bread or salad.

Tips and Conclusion

✔ Use a Meat Blend: A combination of beef and pork creates an even more flavorful and juicy filling.
✔ Go Meatless: Substitute the meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
✔ Add a Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the tomato sauce adds subtle heat.
✔ Make it Cheesy: Add mozzarella or ricotta cheese to the filling for an extra creamy texture.
✔ Freeze for Later: Assemble the stuffed rolls, place them in a freezer-safe dish, and store them uncooked for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

🍷 Pair with Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich tomato sauce beautifully.
🥖 Serve with Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
🥗 Add a Fresh Side: A simple green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness of the dish.
🍚 Enjoy with a Starch: Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, polenta, or orzo pasta for a heartier meal.

These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, bringing together the rich flavors of Italian herbs, Parmesan, and tomato sauce with the heartiness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner, meal prepping, or freezing for later, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Looking for more delicious and comforting Italian-inspired meals? Check out our other recipes and let us know how your stuffed cabbage rolls turned out! ❤️