Cozy Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Rustic Family Favorite

Crafting delectable italian stuffed cabbage rolls becomes a culinary adventure that sparks joy in any kitchen.

Tender leaves cradle a savory mixture of ground beef and aromatic herbs.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting dish passed down through family traditions.

Mediterranean flavors dance within each carefully rolled bundle, promising a meal that connects you to rustic Italian cooking.

Cabbage transforms into a delightful canvas for rich, hearty ingredients that meld together perfectly.

Soft, warm rolls invite you to savor every carefully seasoned bite.

Let’s uncover the magic of this classic recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls That Hit the Spot

• Boil cabbage leaves in just 5 minutes, making this recipe surprisingly simple for a potentially complex dish.
• Uses affordable ingredients like cabbage and basic ground meat, perfect for families looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
• Adaptable recipe that works great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings with its hearty Italian-inspired flavors.
• Combines protein-packed meat with nutrient-rich cabbage, offering a balanced and wholesome dinner option that's both delicious and healthy.

Ingredients List for Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage: Fresh, green head with crisp leaves perfect for rolling, choose a medium-sized cabbage with flexible outer leaves.

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich meats that provide hearty flavor and protein, lean cuts work best for a healthier dish.

• Long Grain Rice, Eggs: Grains add texture and help bind the filling together, white rice provides a classic base.

• Garlic, Onion, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic aromatics that enhance the meat's flavor, fresh garlic offers the most robust taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Creates a rich, tangy coating for the cabbage rolls, look for high-quality canned tomato products.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add brightness and traditional Italian depth to the dish, dried herbs can substitute if fresh are unavailable.

How to Roll and Bake Italian Cabbage Rolls

Preparing Tender Cabbage Leaves

Remove the tough core from the cabbage and gently submerge the whole head into a large pot of salted boiling water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, carefully peeling off the softened leaves as they become pliable. Once the leaves are removed, drain them in a colander and allow them to cool completely.

Creating the Flavorful Filling

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed and well-blended.

Wrapping the Cabbage Rolls

Lay out each cooled cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place a generous scoop of the meat mixture near the stem end of the leaf. Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll from the stem end to create a neat, compact package.

Arranging in Baking Dish

Choose a large baking dish and arrange the rolled cabbage leaves seam-side down. They should fit snugly next to each other to prevent unrolling during cooking.

Crafting the Savory Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried oregano
• Bay leaves

In a separate bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

Pouring and Baking

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, making sure each roll is generously covered. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven.

Finishing the Dish

Bake the cabbage rolls until the internal temperature of the meat reaches a safe level and the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of cooking to allow the tops to slightly brown and crisp.

Serving the Cabbage Rolls

Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the rolls to set and makes them easier to serve. Plate the cabbage rolls and spoon additional sauce over the top if desired.

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Cabbage Rolls

• Soften Cabbage Leaves Gently: Quickly plunge cabbage into boiling water and remove leaves as they become pliable to prevent tearing and ensure easy rolling.
• Trim Stems Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut down thick stem portions, making leaves more flexible and comfortable to fold around filling.
• Choose Compact Cabbage: Select fresh, tight-headed cabbage with crisp leaves for best texture and easier leaf separation during preparation.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat cabbage leaves dry with paper towels after boiling to prevent excess water from making filling soggy and compromising roll integrity.
• Customize Filling Options: Swap ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles to create vegetarian or gluten-free variations while maintaining traditional flavor profile.

Proper Storage for Cabbage Rolls That Last

• Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls in a baking dish, add a splash of water or tomato sauce. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly.

Serve These Sides with Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Pair these hearty cabbage rolls with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti Classico, which complements the rich meat and tangy tomato sauce beautifully.
• Serve alongside creamy polenta or crusty rustic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a smooth textural contrast to the cabbage rolls.
• Add a fresh side salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to cut through the richness and provide a zesty counterpoint to the dense rolls.
• Pour a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to refresh the palate and highlight the herbaceous notes in the stuffed cabbage filling.

Different Fillings for Cabbage Roll Lovers

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version of the cabbage rolls.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground meat with cooked lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu mixed with herbs and spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use thinly sliced cabbage leaves as wraps instead of traditional cabbage rolls, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the filling for a Greek-inspired variation of the traditional Italian stuffed cabbage rolls.

Italian Stuffed Cabbage Roll FAQs

• How do I prevent cabbage leaves from tearing when I remove them from the head?

Gently remove leaves one at a time, and if they resist, briefly return the cabbage to the hot water to soften more. Use tongs to carefully separate each leaf at the base.

• Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What type of cabbage works best for stuffed rolls?

Green cabbage is ideal due to its large, pliable leaves and mild flavor. Savoy cabbage can also work well, offering slightly more tender leaves that are easier to roll.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cabbage rolls?

No special equipment is needed. A large pot for boiling, a cutting board, and a standard baking dish are sufficient to prepare these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls.

Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian stuffed cabbage rolls bring European comfort to your dinner table, blending tender cabbage leaves with rich meat and herbs. Hearty flavors and classic ingredients invite you to savor a traditional Mediterranean culinary experience with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• ½ lb (225g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225g) ground Italian sausage

Filling and Cheese:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1 large green cabbage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil.
2. Carefully remove the dense central stem from the cabbage head, then submerge the entire cabbage into the bubbling water.
3. Allow the cabbage to cook for approximately 5 minutes, gently separating and extracting individual leaves as they become pliable and translucent.
4. Carefully transfer the softened cabbage leaves to a colander, enabling them to cool and drain excess moisture.
5. Spread the delicate leaves on a clean kitchen towel, patting them dry and ensuring they are ready for the upcoming filling process.
6. Trim the thick central rib of each leaf to create a smooth, flexible surface that will easily fold around the savory filling.
7. Arrange the prepared cabbage leaves with the inside facing upward, creating a perfect canvas for the upcoming stuffing technique.

Notes

• Gently separate cabbage leaves to prevent tearing, using tongs for careful handling during the blanching process.
• Choose large, flexible cabbage leaves for easier rolling and a more visually appealing presentation.
• Pat leaves completely dry after cooling to ensure better filling adhesion and prevent excess moisture in the final dish.
• Trim the thick stem portion of each leaf to create a more uniform surface for rolling, making the stuffing process smoother and more consistent.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg