There’s something incredibly comforting about the hearty, savory flavors of Italian stuffed cabbage rolls. These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls combine tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and marinara sauce, all baked to perfection. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting, perfect for a cozy evening meal or a family gathering. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be reaching for seconds
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Hearty and Savory: The combination of ground beef, rice, and marinara sauce creates a rich, flavorful filling that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this dish comes together in under an hour. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Customizable: Swap out ingredients or add your favorite spices to make each batch unique.
Perfect for Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The combination of tender cabbage and savory filling makes it universally appealing
Ingredients
Cabbage Leaves: Large, outer leaves of a head of cabbage, blanched to soften.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides a hearty base for the stuffing.
Rice: Adds texture and helps the filling hold together.
Marinara Sauce: Provides the tangy, tomato-based sauce that ties everything together.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish.
Onion: Finely chopped onion brings sweetness and a savory edge.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the filling together and add texture.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the filling.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of nuttiness and richness to the filling.
Herbs and Spices: Italian seasoning, oregano, and basil enhance the overall flavor profile.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful stuffed cabbage rolls
Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until softened but still intact. Remove and pat dry.
Make the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in finely chopped onion and garlic. Add cooked rice, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Cabbage: Lay each blanched cabbage leaf flat and spoon a heaping tablespoon of the filling onto the center. Roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Layer and Bake: In a large baking dish, layer a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, drizzled with additional marinara sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan for extra flavor
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
How to Serve Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These rolls pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Side of Pasta: Pair with a side of spaghetti or penne tossed in marinara sauce for a complete Italian meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these rolls are hearty enough to enjoy on their own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs for a finishing touch
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add a burst of freshness to the filling.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container, cover with marinara sauce, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
Experiment with Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for mozzarella or add a sprinkle of Romano for a different flavor profile
FAQ Section
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. What type of rice should I use? Arborio rice or long-grain rice works well for the filling. Avoid using instant rice as it won’t hold its shape.
3. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Simply bake when ready for optimal freshness.
4. How do I store leftover rolls? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I freeze the rolls? Absolutely! Freeze the assembled rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? Not as written, but you can replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
8. Can I skip the marinara sauce? You can, though the sauce adds moisture and flavor. Substitute with a light tomato sauce or omit entirely for a simpler version.
9. Do I need to blanch the cabbage leaves? Blanching softens the leaves and makes them easier to roll. Skip this step if you prefer a firmer texture.
10. Can I add vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all pair beautifully with the beef and rice
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and comforting Italian Stuffed Cabbage Roll recipe that’s sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With their tender cabbage leaves, savory filling, and rich marinara sauce, these rolls are a dish that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let’s cook something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you
Print
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese before baking. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different taste. Make it ahead! These rolls freeze well for easy meal prep.
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish filled with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce. A perfect blend of tradition and flavor!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rolls:
- 12 large cabbage leaves
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft. Remove and pat dry.
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls
- Place a generous spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce and drizzle with olive oil.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
- Pour the beef broth over the rolls and top with the remaining tomato sauce.
Bake
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy these hearty rolls with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different taste.
- Make it ahead! These rolls freeze well for easy meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg