Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Get ready to experience comfort food at its finest with these Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Picture it: tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with bold flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the best part? It’s the kind of dish that only gets better as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers. Trust me—your taste buds are in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These stuffed cabbage rolls are a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this dish:

Versatile:

Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a meal for the whole family, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or just enjoy it on its own. It’s flexible and satisfying.

Budget-Friendly:

Made with affordable ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen, this dish is easy on the wallet but big on flavor. It’s a delicious way to stretch your dollar while serving up something hearty and comforting.

Quick and Easy:

Though it’s full of flavor, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. With a little prep work and some oven time, you’ll have a meal that’s ready to enjoy. It’s the perfect solution when you want a delicious homemade dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Customizable:

Want to tweak the filling? You can easily add other ingredients, like mushrooms, rice, or different types of cheese. You can even swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter version.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Everyone loves stuffed cabbage rolls, and this Italian spin adds even more flavor with that rich marinara sauce. It’s the kind of dish that gets rave reviews from both kids and adults.

Ingredients in Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to make these comforting rolls:

Cabbage Leaves:

The cabbage leaves are the base of these rolls and provide the perfect wrapping for the delicious filling. You’ll blanch them to make them tender and pliable, making them easier to stuff.

Ground Beef:

The ground beef is the heart of the filling. It gets seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and spices, bringing those warm, savory flavors into every bite.

Cooked Rice:

Rice adds a little texture to the filling and helps bind everything together. It also makes the rolls more filling without overpowering the flavor.

Marinara Sauce:

A good marinara sauce is essential! You’ll use it both to cook the cabbage rolls and to top them off for extra flavor. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious.

Parmesan Cheese:

A sprinkle of parmesan adds a cheesy, salty touch that ties the dish together. It melts beautifully into the filling and the sauce, making every bite irresistible.

Italian Seasonings:

Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme bring the Italian flavor, giving the filling that perfect balance of savory goodness.

Onion and Garlic:

These aromatics are a must for adding depth of flavor to the filling. They create the perfect savory base for the ground beef and rice mixture.

Olive Oil:

You’ll need olive oil for sautéing the aromatics and browning the meat. It gives everything a nice richness.

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make these irresistible Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. They’re easy, flavorful, and come together with minimal effort.

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

Start by blanching the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they soften. This step makes the leaves pliable so they’re easier to work with. Set them aside to cool.

2. Cook the Filling:

In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they become fragrant and soft. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once everything is mixed, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

3. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:

Lay each cabbage leaf flat, and spoon a portion of the filling into the center of the leaf. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go to make a neat little package.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place each stuffed cabbage roll in the dish, seam side down, and pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy topping.

5. Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. The rolls should be tender, and the sauce should be bubbly and delicious.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these Italian stuffed cabbage rolls hot, topped with extra parmesan cheese if you like. They’re perfect with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 640mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 22g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 400mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These stuffed cabbage rolls are already so satisfying, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are a few ideas to pair them with:

Garlic Bread:

A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce from the rolls.

Fresh Salad:

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great contrast to the hearty rolls and adds some freshness to the meal.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers would make a lovely side dish, adding color and more flavor to your meal.

Grated Parmesan:

Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for that cheesy, salty finish!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this recipe:

Make Ahead:

These stuffed cabbage rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two before baking. This makes dinner prep even easier!

Spice It Up:

If you like a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or the marinara sauce.

Swap the Meat:

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you prefer. Each variation will give the rolls a slightly different flavor profile.

Add Extra Veggies:

Feel free to sneak in some finely chopped veggies into the filling—mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers all work great.

Leftovers:

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can assemble them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q2: Can I freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls?
A2: Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, just bake from frozen, adding a bit more time to the baking process.

Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A3: Yes, brown rice works great! It will add a slightly nutty flavor and more texture to the filling.

Q4: How do I make these rolls vegetarian?
A4: You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative, or try using cooked lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian filling.

Q5: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A5: Yes, feel free to add some shredded mozzarella or provolone to the filling for extra cheese pull and flavor!

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cabbage?
A7: While regular green cabbage is ideal for this recipe, napa cabbage can work in a pinch if you have it on hand. Just make sure the leaves are tender.

Q8: How can I make the sauce from scratch?
A8: To make homemade marinara, simply sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and oregano. Simmer until thick and flavorful.

Q9: Can I make these rolls in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes, you can cook them in a slow cooker! Place the rolls in the cooker with the marinara sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender.

Q10: How can I make these rolls spicier?
A10: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling, or even try using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick!

Conclusion

There you have it—Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that are sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. With their savory filling, tender cabbage, and rich marinara sauce, they’ll warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. Go ahead—dig in and enjoy!

Print