If you’re craving cozy, satisfying comfort food with an Italian twist, nothing hits the spot quite like Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. This classic baked dish wraps a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs in tender cabbage leaves, then smothers everything in rich marinara and gooey cheese. Each bite is hearty, cheesy, and full of bold flavor—a true celebration of humble, wholesome ingredients transformed into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress at your next dinner party, these rolls promise to deliver old-world charm and a big dose of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of simple, familiar ingredients come together to make Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls so delicious. Each one plays a key part in bringing texture, flavor, and that irresistible, bubbly finish to the dish.
- Green cabbage leaves: These form the tender, sturdy wrap that makes each roll hearty and satisfying—use the largest leaves you can find for easy rolling.
- Ground beef: Provides protein and rich flavor; the juicy filling is the backbone of every perfect roll.
- Cooked rice: Gives the stuffing a light, pillowy texture and helps stretch the filling further.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to every bite—don’t skip this flavor booster!
- Minced garlic: Infuses the rolls with unmistakable Italian aroma and a punch of savory taste.
- Lightly beaten egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the filling stays tender and holds together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, salty complexity and helps everything meld together nicely.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Brings a balanced, earthy blend of herbs—think oregano, basil, thyme—to marry all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Just the right amount is essential to perk up every component of the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and spice to complement the herbs and beef.
- Marinara sauce: Provides that signature Italian tomato richness, making the rolls luscious and deeply flavorful.
- Olive oil: A drizzle adds silkiness to the sauce and helps brown the cheese during baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The finishing touch for a gooey, luxe top layer that makes everyone swoon.
- Fresh basil: Adds freshness and visual pop; a must for that final flourish.
How to Make Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully remove 12 large, unblemished green cabbage leaves. Blanch them for 2–3 minutes until softened and pliable, then drain thoroughly. This quick dip makes the leaves flexible, so they wrap neatly around the filling without breaking or tearing—a little prep work for a big payoff.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything’s evenly distributed—overmixing can make the filling dense. You’ll immediately smell that savory, herby aroma promising the best Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls you’ve ever tasted.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
Lay one cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Spoon about ¼ cup of the filling into the center and shape it into a log. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the base to the tip, like wrapping a burrito. Place seam side down on a plate and repeat with remaining leaves and filling. The rolls should feel plump but not bursting—think snug and secure.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of your favorite baking dish (line with an extra cabbage leaf if you like). Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in a single layer, nestling them closely together. Pour the rest of the marinara on top and drizzle everything with a touch of olive oil for extra gloss and flavor.
Step 5: Bake, Top, and Garnish
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to cook through. Uncover, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes, then shower with fresh basil for a fragrant, colorful finish to your Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls feast.
How to Serve Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the top choice for a burst of herbal brightness, but you can also add a shower of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or even some chopped fresh parsley for a touch of green. A grind of black pepper over the cheesy top is always welcome.
Side Dishes
These rolls are a showstopper main, but a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lightly roasted veggies lets them shine. Warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for scooping up any lingering marinara sauce, making every last bit count.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, arrange the Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls family-style in a big, shallow platter, sprinkled with basil for a rustic look. Want individual portions? Serve two rolls per person in shallow bowls, ladled with plenty of sauce and a cheesy crown. For parties, try making mini rolls (using smaller cabbage leaves) and offer them as hand-held bites—just provide plenty of napkins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container. The flavors only get deeper and cozier as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these rolls are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled rolls in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the mozzarella, and add cheese before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place covered rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just use a lower power setting to keep things tender and juicy. Always add a splash of extra marinara if the rolls seem a little dry.
FAQs
Can I use different meat for the filling?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work superbly in Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, and you can even make things lighter by using a mix of beef and turkey. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.
Do I have to cook the rice first?
Yes, precooking the rice prevents the rolls from getting gummy inside. Use leftover rice or make a fresh batch—just let it cool before mixing into the filling.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
It’s easy to make a meatless version by swapping the ground beef for cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with rice and cheese. The rolls will still turn out hearty and packed with flavor.
What marinara sauce is best?
You can use your favorite jarred marinara for convenience, but if you have homemade sauce on hand, all the better. The richer the sauce, the more flavorful the Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!
Will these work as a make-ahead dish?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls enough—they’re nostalgic comfort, easy elegance, and heartwarming flavor all in one memorable meal. If you’ve never tried them, now’s the time! Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch that’s sure to inspire “can I have seconds?” moments at your table.
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Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Italian seasonings, baked to perfection with marinara and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls:
- 12 large green cabbage leaves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Cabbage: Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill Cabbage: Place filling on cabbage leaves, roll tightly, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Spread marinara sauce in the dish, drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
- Final Touch: Uncover, add mozzarella, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef.
- Use jarred marinara sauce for convenience or homemade for richer flavor.
- Blanch extra cabbage leaves to use as a liner in the baking dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
