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–+ servings
Italian Cabbage Rolls

Italian Cabbage Rolls

Classic Italian cabbage rolls recipe with garlicky beef and rice filling simmered in a hearty herbed tomato sauce. A comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup cooked rice white or brown
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano for sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt for sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper for sauce

Equipment

  • Large pot for blanching cabbage
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and peel away 8 to 10 large cabbage leaves.
  2. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until softened; drain and cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan, onion, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
  4. Lay a blanched cabbage leaf flat and place 2-3 tablespoons of filling at the base, rolling from the bottom up and folding in the sides.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the sauce by heating olive oil and sautéing minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  6. Add tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, letting it simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish, place cabbage rolls seam-side down, and pour remaining sauce over them.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until cabbage is tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey, pork, or a plant-based option. For a lighter version, try adding spinach or using quinoa instead of rice. The rolls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for later baking. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Don't skip the resting time after baking; it helps the rolls set for easier serving. Pair these rolls with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
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