Name: Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large green cabbage; ½ lb (225g) ground beef; ½ lb (225g) ground Italian sausage; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried basil; 2 cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt & pepper, to taste

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

Scale

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

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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:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread some sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Place rolls seam-side down, cover with remaining sauce, and cover with foil.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Stovetop Method:
1. 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!