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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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