Description
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, these rolls offer a delicious blend of Italian-inspired flavors perfect for a family meal or special dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and a large egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each blanched cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly around the filling, folding in the sides to secure. Use toothpicks if needed to hold the rolls together.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Gently arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet with the sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the rolls to cover them.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the rolls simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the ground beef is fully cooked and tender, and flavors have melded together.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove toothpicks if used. Serve the cabbage rolls warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage leaves softens them, making them easier to roll without tearing.
- Using cooked rice in the filling helps bind the mixture and adds texture.
- Simmering the rolls in the tomato sauce infuses them with rich Italian flavors while keeping them moist.
- To make the dish ahead, assemble and refrigerate the rolls and sauce separately. Cook them just before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
