Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of slow-simmered marinara sauce, mingling with tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful beef and rice mixture. Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect fusion of old-world Italian flavors and the satisfying heartiness of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a dish that brings a touch of tradition to your table, these cabbage rolls are an absolute must-try. Inspired by the timeless Italian love for simple yet robust ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare, nutritious, and guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Full of flavor – A rich blend of beef, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs wrapped in tender cabbage leaves.
✅ Nutritious & satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
✅ Easy to customize – Swap beef for turkey or go vegetarian with lentils and mushrooms.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove whole leaves from the cabbage.
- Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Drain and let them cool before handling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined but avoid overworking the meat.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Brown the Rolls
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cabbage rolls seam-side down and lightly brown them on all sides for extra flavor.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
- Pour marinara sauce and water over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover and let them simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips & Variations
✔️ Make It Lighter: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
✔️ Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and quinoa.
✔️ Add More Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
✔️ Freezing Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat when needed.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Servings: 4
Pairing Suggestions
These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls shine on their own, but pairing them with the right sides takes them to another level! Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread – Crispy and buttery, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots adds color and nutrition.
- Classic Caesar Salad – The crisp freshness balances the heartiness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together the rustic charm of Italian cuisine and the comfort of a classic stuffed dish, these Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a must-have recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or even meal prepping for the week, they promise to deliver rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite.
Give them a try and let us know—what’s your favorite way to serve stuffed cabbage rolls? 🍽️
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Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting dish that combines the heartiness of stuffed cabbage with classic Italian flavors. These rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of beef, rice, and Parmesan, then simmered in marinara sauce for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove whole leaves from the cabbage.
- Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly, ensuring the filling is enclosed. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cabbage rolls seam-side down and lightly brown them on all sides.
- Pour marinara sauce and water over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover and let them simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms, lentils, and quinoa instead of meat.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- These rolls freeze well for up to 3 months—reheat when needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes