Description
Delicious Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, rice, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, baked in rich marinara sauce. This comforting main course is perfect for a family dinner and can be easily customized for healthier variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 10–12 whole cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened and pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened. Let cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with ground meat, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and add about 1/4 cup of filling to the center. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Bake the stuffed cabbage rolls: Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the rolls are tender.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with additional warm sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use cauliflower rice to make it low-carb.
- Cabbage rolls can be assembled ahead and baked later.
