Description
These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Parmesan cheese, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with herbs.
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, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well until fully combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly, folding in the sides, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over them.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the rolls simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For easier rolling, blanch cabbage leaves just until pliable but not too soft to avoid tearing.
- Leftover rice can be used for the filling to save time.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure that the Parmesan cheese and other ingredients have no additives containing gluten.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To keep rolls intact during cooking, secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed.
- Savor leftovers by reheating gently in the skillet or microwave.
