Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground meat, rice, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Resume:
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The rolls are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making them a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different types of ground meat and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 large green cabbage (about 12 leaves)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar of tomato sauce (about 24 ounces)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Boil for about 5 minutes, or until the leaves start to soften and become pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Gently peel off the leaves and set them aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a work surface. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to the top to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Make sure to boil the cabbage leaves just until they are pliable to prevent them from tearing when you roll them.
- You can use a mixture of ground beef, pork, or turkey for the filling to add different flavors.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Substitutions and Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary.
- Use different types of cabbage, such as Savoy cabbage, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the fat content.
- Opt for whole grain rice for added fiber.
- Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more nutrients to the meal.
Closing:
And there you have it! A delicious, comforting plate of Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
- Yes, you can use ground pork, turkey, or a combination of meats for the filling.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
- What can I serve with Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
- A side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage?
- Yes, you can use Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I make a vegetarian version?
- Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients.
- Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
- Yes, you can add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
- Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce to save time. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor.
- Can I make the rolls in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can assemble the rolls and place them in a slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Can I use pre-cooked rice?
- Yes, using pre-cooked rice can save time. Just make sure it is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Can I use a different type of sauce?
- Yes, you can use a marinara sauce, a spicy arrabbiata sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce for different flavors.
- Can I make mini cabbage rolls?
- Yes, you can use smaller cabbage leaves and adjust the amount of filling to make mini cabbage rolls. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I add a layer of cheese on top before baking?
- Yes, adding a layer of cheese on top before baking can add extra flavor and a golden crust.
- Can I use a different type of herb?
- Yes, you can experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to customize the flavor.
- Can I serve these rolls as an appetizer?
- Yes, you can make smaller rolls and serve them as appetizers at parties or gatherings.
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Course: All Word RecipesServings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
40
minutesCalories
300
kcalTotal time
0
minutes
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 large 1 green cabbage (about 12 leaves)
1 pound 1 (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup 1/2 cooked rice (white or brown)
1/2 cup 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup 1/4 finely chopped onion
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
2 tablespoons 2 chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon 1 dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 jar 1 tomato sauce (about 24 ounces)
Directions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Boil for about 5 minutes, or until the leaves start to soften and become pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Gently peel off the leaves and set them aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a work surface. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to the top to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
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