Description
These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish, featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, and herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove 12-14 cabbage leaves from the head and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Transfer the leaves to a plate lined with paper towels and let them cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian sausage, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Take a cabbage leaf and place ¼ cup of the meat filling in the center.
- Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from bottom to top.
- Place the seam side down in a baking dish. Repeat for all rolls.
Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- Pour half of the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Version: Swap beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Best Pairing: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls