Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for 3–5 minutes, gently peeling off the softened outer leaves with tongs as they loosen. Continue until you have about 10–12 large leaves. Set aside to cool.

Trim the thick stem part of each leaf so they roll easily without tearing.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped onion
• Egg
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Mix everything together until well combined, but do not overmix.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Add about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom of the leaf.

Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Garlic bread
• Mashed potatoes
• A fresh green salad

Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for even more flavor.

Tips

• You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
• For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
• These cabbage rolls taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.