These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and comforting dish filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian herbs, and rice, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic Italian-inspired meal is perfect for family dinners and can be made ahead for easy meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – Packed with Italian herbs, garlic, and a homemade tomato sauce.
- Hearty & Satisfying – A balanced meal with protein, veggies, and grains.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
- Comforting & Cozy – A warm, home-cooked meal perfect for any season.
- Customizable – Swap the meat, rice, or sauce for different variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Remove core from the cabbage and carefully peel off 12-14 large leaves.
- Boil the leaves for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a towel to cool.
2. Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and add ¼ cup of the filling in the center.
- Fold the sides in, then roll tightly from the bottom.
- Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls
- Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes for a thicker sauce.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Version – Add mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Gluten-Free – Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially the sauce.
- Vegetarian – Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or tofu.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a baking dish for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use savoy cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes! Savoy cabbage is softer and easier to roll.
Do I have to cook the rice beforehand?
Yes! Pre-cooked rice ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How do I keep my cabbage leaves from tearing?
Boiling the cabbage briefly makes the leaves pliable and easier to roll.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Try them with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, pork, or a mix of meats work well.
What if I have extra filling?
Use it to make mini meatballs and cook them in the sauce.
Can I use jarred marinara instead of homemade sauce?
Yes! A good-quality marinara works as a time-saving shortcut.
How do I make the sauce richer?
Simmer longer or add a splash of red wine for depth.
Conclusion
These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Filled with a hearty meat-and-rice mixture and baked in a rich tomato sauce, they’re a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even better as leftovers. Try them today and enjoy a taste of homemade Italian comfort food!
Print
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 people (8–10 rolls) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These tender cabbage leaves are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and cheese, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cut out the core of the cabbage and place the whole head into boiling water for 5 minutes, peeling off leaves as they soften.
- Drain and let cool.
2. Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, rice, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Take a cabbage leaf, place 2-3 tbsp of filling in the center, fold the sides over, and roll tightly.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4. Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls
-
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread some sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place rolls seam-side down, cover with remaining sauce, and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
-
Stovetop Method:
- Place rolls in a large pot, cover with sauce, and simmer on low heat for 50-60 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan!
Notes
- Make it lighter: Use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
- Gluten-free option: Use GF breadcrumbs or omit them.
- Meal prep tip: Freezes well for up to 3 months!