The Cozy Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe You’ll Adore

Cozy italian stuffed cabbage rolls dance with hearty flavors that whisper comfort on chilly evenings.

Tender leaves wrap around seasoned meat and rice like a warm embrace.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish across italian kitchens.

Savory herbs and rich tomato sauce bring depth to each carefully crafted roll.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly in this soul-satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Passionate cooks can recreate this traditional recipe with simple techniques and love.

Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Full of Comfort

• Conquer Complex Cooking: Despite multiple steps, this recipe breaks down into manageable stages, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to explore traditional Italian cuisine without feeling overwhelmed.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, these cabbage rolls deliver a satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and children, transforming a simple dinner into a memorable experience.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare rolls in advance and refrigerate or freeze, providing a convenient solution for busy households seeking nutritious, make-ahead meals that taste just as delightful when reheated.

Ingredients Needed for Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage Leaves: Large, tender leaves that serve as the delicate wrapper for the flavorful stuffing.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that creates a hearty and satisfying filling for the rolls.
• Cooked Rice: A classic binder that helps hold the filling together and adds texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide a deep, savory base flavor to the filling.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring an authentic Mediterranean taste to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the rolls.

• Tomato Sauce: A rich, tangy sauce that covers and moistens the cabbage rolls during baking.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra moisture and depth of flavor to the cooking process.
• Olive Oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps prevent sticking.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, fresh note to the final dish.
• Egg: Serves as a binding agent to help hold the filling ingredients together.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering during initial baking to keep moisture in.
• Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing the cabbage rolls during preparation.

Stepwise Guide to Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Making

Step 1: Soften Cabbage Leaves

Boil a large pot of water. Gently dunk whole cabbage leaves into the bubbling water for about 2-3 minutes until they become flexible and tender.

Carefully remove and pat completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Beaten egg
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients thoroughly using your hands until the mixture feels evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll Delicious Packages

Lay out each softened cabbage leaf flat. Scoop a hearty portion of the meat mixture onto the center of each leaf.

Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top. If needed, secure with a wooden toothpick to prevent unraveling.

Step 4: Prepare Savory Sauce Base

Select a large baking dish. Spread a generous layer of rich tomato sauce across the bottom.

Drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor. Arrange the cabbage rolls carefully, placing them seam-side facing down.

Step 5: Add Cooking Liquid

Pour beef broth over the cabbage rolls. Top with remaining tomato sauce, ensuring each roll is partially covered with liquid.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the tops look slightly crispy and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the rolls. Serve immediately alongside crusty Italian bread or a crisp green salad.

These delightful cabbage bundles are perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Tips to Perfect Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Every Time

• Blanch leaves briefly to keep them pliable without tearing, ensuring easy rolling and perfect texture.
• Use lean ground beef and add egg to help binding, preventing dry filling and maintaining juicy rolls.
• Spread tomato sauce and olive oil at dish bottom to protect rolls from sticking and burning during baking.
• Add dried herbs like oregano and basil to meat mixture for authentic Italian taste and aromatic complexity.
• Use consistent spoon measurements for filling to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.

Delicious Twists on Classic Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Mediterranean Lamb Rolls: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, add mint leaves, and use feta cheese crumbles for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Rolls: Swap ground beef with quinoa, black beans, and diced bell peppers for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Korean-Style Rolls: Incorporate gochujang sauce, ground pork, and kimchi inside the rolls, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Scandinavian Salmon Rolls: Use flaked salmon, dill, and cream cheese as filling, served with a light dill cream sauce for a Nordic touch.

Pairings That Elevate Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the cabbage rolls. The wine's acidity cuts through the hearty filling and enhances the tomato sauce.
• Create Herbal Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty focaccia bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary. The herb-infused bread provides a perfect texture contrast and absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The crisp, tangy greens balance the heavy rolls and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich meat filling.

Best Practices to Store Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Place rolls on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls in baking dish, add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What makes this recipe a classic Italian dish?

These cabbage rolls, known as “involtini di cavolo,” are a traditional comfort food in Italian cuisine, combining ground beef, herbs, and tomato sauce in a hearty, rustic preparation that reflects home-style cooking.

• Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or a mixture of meats to create your own variation while maintaining the classic recipe’s essence.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

The dish offers a balanced meal with protein from beef, nutrients from cabbage, and controlled portions, making it a relatively nutritious option when prepared with lean meat and moderate seasoning.

Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls showcase classic Mediterranean comfort with rich ground beef, herbs, and tangy tomato sauce wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Hearty and delicious, these rolls bring warmth to your table and delight families with authentic Italian flavors you’ll crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains and Binding:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 large cabbage leaves

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking Liquid:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Submerge whole cabbage leaves in rapidly boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable and bright green, then carefully extract and pat completely dry with paper towels.
2. Create a robust filling by thoroughly blending ground beef with cooked rice, finely diced onions, minced garlic, whisked egg, aromatic herbs, and seasoning until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Position a hearty portion of meat mixture near the stem end of each cabbage leaf, gently fold side edges inward, then roll tightly into compact parcels, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Craft a flavorful base in a ceramic baking dish by spreading a generous layer of tomato sauce, then nestle rolled cabbage packages seam-side downward, drizzling additional sauce and beef broth across the surface.
5. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and roast in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
6. Once removed from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Soften cabbage leaves gently by briefly blanching to prevent tearing and ensure flexible wrapping without breaking.
• Prevent dry filling by mixing meat with a touch of olive oil or broth, keeping the mixture moist and flavorful.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance meal prep by making extra rolls and freezing them uncooked for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg