Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory Italian-style filling of ground beef, rice, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, then gently baked in rich tomato sauce. It is hearty, comforting, and full of homemade flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
2. Place the cabbage in the boiling water and gently remove the leaves as they soften. Set the leaves aside to cool.
3. Cook the rice until just tender, then drain and let it cool slightly.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
5. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion and garlic mixture, egg, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined.
6. Cut away the thick center rib from each cabbage leaf if necessary.
7. Place a portion of the meat mixture near the bottom of each leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly.
8. Spread some tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
9. Mix the remaining tomato sauce with tomato paste and broth, then pour it over the cabbage rolls.
10. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
11. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella over the top, and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
12. Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra tomato sauce over each roll.

Q&A

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well and gives the rolls a lighter flavor.

Can I use cooked rice?
Yes. Cooked rice is convenient, but avoid overcooking it because it will continue cooking inside the cabbage rolls.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. They are also excellent reheated the next day.

Can I freeze Italian cabbage rolls?
Yes. Allow them to cool completely, place them with the tomato sauce in an airtight container, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or steamed green beans make excellent sides.