Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Why These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Deserve a Spot on Your Dinner Table

If you’ve ever wanted a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, these Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are it. Think tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory, cheesy, and herb-packed filling, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They’re hearty, comforting, and perfect for everything from a family dinner to meal prep for the week.

This recipe is a little old-school Italian, a little weeknight-friendly, and a whole lot of delicious. Plus, if you’ve got picky eaters in the house, don’t be surprised if these rolls win them over—because let’s be honest, when something is smothered in marinara and cheese, it’s pretty hard to resist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Prep the Cabbage:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Carefully remove about 10-12 outer cabbage leaves. Blanch them in the boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. This softens the leaves, making them easy to roll.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan, diced onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

• Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about ¼ cup of the meat mixture in the center.
• Fold the sides in and roll it up like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves.

4. Make the Sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Cook the Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pour half of the sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down on top.
• Pour the remaining sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

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Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

Want a shortcut? Use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from another meal to save time.

No cabbage? Swap it for Swiss chard or collard greens—they roll up beautifully and have a mild flavor.

Sauce too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while simmering.

Leftovers? These rolls taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Final Thoughts

These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect combination of comforting, cheesy, and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers on all fronts. Now go grab that cabbage and let’s get rolling!

And if you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy our Shrimp Quesadillas for another easy, crowd-pleasing dinner!