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

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and set them aside. Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water, stem-side up, and allow it to simmer for about 5–7 minutes. As the outer leaves soften, carefully peel them off one at a time, setting them aside on a plate. If needed, use a knife to trim the thick ribs at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.

Pro Tip: Don’t discard the remaining cabbage core! Chop it up and add it to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Making the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls
Lay a softened cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto the base of the leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll it up tightly like a burrito, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling, placing each seam-side down on a plate while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in the tomato paste, sugar, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes, letting the flavors develop.

Cooking the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls snugly in the skillet or a baking dish, ensuring they are placed seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling during cooking. Spoon the tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well coated.

Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and simmer on low heat for 1–1½ hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. If you prefer oven-baking, transfer the stuffed rolls to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1–1½ hours.

Serving & Garnishing
Once cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf and transfer the stuffed cabbage rolls to serving plates. Spoon additional tomato sauce over each roll and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, polenta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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! ❤️