Cozy Hearty Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Family Joy

Comfort meets tradition in these mouthwatering stuffed cabbage rolls that blend hearty Italian flavors with rustic charm.

Tender cabbage leaves cradle a savory mixture of ground beef and herbs, creating a classic dish that speaks to generations of home cooking.

Each roll bursts with rich, satisfying ingredients carefully wrapped and simmered to perfection.

The aromas wafting from the kitchen will transport you straight to an Italian grandmother’s dining table.

Saucy and packed with robust seasonings, these rolls promise a delightful meal that warms both body and soul.

Layers of flavor and love come together in this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this comforting Italian classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Inside Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage Head: Sturdy leafy vegetable that serves as the delicate wrapper for your rolls, look for fresh, crisp leaves without blemishes.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for boiling water to help soften and season cabbage leaves, enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty texture and deep meaty flavor, choose lean cuts for better consistency.
• Rice: Binding agent that adds volume and absorbs delicious spices, opt for medium-grain varieties for best results.
• Onion: Aromatic ingredient that introduces subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer that brings robust, pungent notes to the filling.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds gentle heat and complexity to the meat mixture.
• Eggs: Natural binder that helps hold the filling together and creates smooth texture.

• Tomato Sauce: Vibrant, tangy base that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Classic herb that introduces authentic Mediterranean herbaceous notes.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle aromatic that infuses gentle, earthy undertones into the sauce.

Gear You’ll Need for Rolling Italian Cabbage Rolls

• Large pot: Essential for boiling water and softening cabbage leaves.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for coring cabbage and trimming leaves.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining filling ingredients.
• Baking dish: Used for arranging and baking stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for mixing meat and rice filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Prep & Bake Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Gently separate tender cabbage leaves from the head by submerging the whole cabbage in boiling salted water. Carefully remove leaves as they soften, ensuring they remain intact and pliable.

• Create Delicious Filling

Mix ground meat with aromatic herbs, finely chopped onions, cooked rice, and a splash of seasoning. Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a rich, flavorful mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

• Wrap and Roll

Place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, creating neat little parcels that seal in all the delicious flavors.

• Simmer in Savory Sauce

Nestle the cabbage rolls in a deep pan, covering them with a luscious tomato-based sauce. Let them simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the rolls to become tender and juicy.

• Serve and Enjoy

Carefully transfer the golden-brown cabbage rolls to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Upgrades for Cabbage Rolls Italiano

• Perfect Leaf Separation: Gently remove cabbage leaves by pulling them away from the head, ensuring they stay intact without tearing for easy rolling.
• Moisture Control Trick: Pat cabbage leaves thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making the rolls soggy during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cabbage rolls in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

Serving Italian Cabbage Rolls with Flair

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve these hearty cabbage rolls as a comforting main dish surrounded by loved ones at the dinner table.
• Mediterranean Plate Pairing: Complement the rolls with a crisp Greek salad, warm crusty bread, and a drizzle of olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
• Wine and Dine Moment: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the rich flavors of the stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Leftover Magic: Store extra rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven for a delicious next-day lunch that tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Save & Store Italian Cabbage Rolls Easily

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple rolls and freeze them flat in labeled containers for quick future meals.
• Refrigerator Storage Wisdom: Sealed containers keep stuffed cabbage rolls fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining flavor and texture perfectly.
• Reheating Magic: Warm rolls gently in a covered microwave-safe dish or oven at 350°F, adding a splash of tomato sauce to prevent drying out.
• Ingredient Prep Shortcut: Blanch and separate cabbage leaves a day ahead, storing them in the refrigerator to streamline your cooking process.

Hearty Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian stuffed cabbage rolls combine ground beef, rice, and herbs in a classic Mediterranean-inspired dish. Rich tomato sauce blankets tender cabbage parcels, delivering authentic flavors that comfort and satisfy hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (225g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225g) ground Italian sausage
• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cabbage Preparation: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a vigorous boil. Core the cabbage head and immerse it entirely, cooking for 5 minutes until leaves become tender and translucent.
2. Leaf Processing: Gently extract individual leaves, transferring them to a colander to cool and drain. Lay leaves flat on a clean kitchen towel, patting dry and trimming the thick central rib to create a smooth, flexible surface.
3. Filling Assembly: Position leaves with inner side facing upward, creating an ideal base for the filling. Mix ground meat, rice, herbs, and seasonings thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.
4. Rolling Technique: Place a precise portion of the meat mixture near the base of each leaf. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then tuck in the sides and roll upward, creating a compact, sealed parcel.
5. Cooking Preparation: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a deep baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour tomato sauce or broth over the rolls, ensuring they are nearly completely covered.
6. Baking Process: Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for approximately 75-90 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook through completely.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to serving plates, garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of remaining sauce.

Notes

• Boil Cabbage Carefully: Submerge cabbage head gently in salted water, preventing leaf tearing and maintaining structural integrity during the softening process.
• Leaf Prep Technique: Remove thick central rib strategically to ensure smooth, flexible wrapping surface without compromising leaf strength.
• Moisture Management: Pat leaves thoroughly dry on kitchen towel to prevent soggy rolls and ensure clean, crisp rolling experience.
• Temperature Control: Monitor boiling water and leaf softening closely – overcooking leads to fragile, easily rippable leaves that won’t hold filling effectively.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg