Description
Classic Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Parmesan cheese, simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and offers a flavorful blend of herbs and spices in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls Filling
- 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 Tomato 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 to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to enclose the filling. Use toothpicks if needed to secure the rolls in place.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Carefully arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet over the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over the rolls to keep them moist.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the toothpicks, serve the cabbage rolls warm, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the cabbage leaves during blanching; they should be soft enough to roll but still hold their shape.
- Using cooked rice in the filling helps bind the meat mixture and adds texture.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork according to your preference.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking for convenience.
- To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the rice and all ingredients are free from gluten contamination.
