These Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls take the classic comfort dish to the next level with Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, and juicy, flavorful ground beef. Each cabbage leaf becomes a tender “cup” filled with seasoned meat and rice, then baked in a rich marinara broth until soft, saucy, and irresistible.

They are not only incredibly delicious, but also nutrient-dense, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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🧾 Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• ½ cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley OR 1 tsp dried

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Italian Tomato Sauce

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Topping

• Extra Parmesan

• Chopped parsley or basil

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage.

3. Submerge the whole cabbage or leaves in boiling water for 3–5 minutes until they soften.

4. Drain and pat dry.

5. Trim the thick end of the spine so the leaves roll easily.

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2️⃣ Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine:

   • Ground beef

   • Cooked rice

   • Parmesan

   • Onion

   • Garlic

   • Egg

   • Parsley

   • Italian seasoning

   • Salt & pepper

2. Mix until evenly combined, but don’t overwork the meat.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.

2. Roll from the stem end upward, tucking in the sides as you roll.

3. Arrange seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

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4️⃣ Make the Italian Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan.

2. Add marinara, broth, tomato paste, sugar (optional), and Italian seasoning.

3. Simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.

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5️⃣ Bake

1. Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.

2. Cover dish with foil.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes, until the rolls are tender and cooked through.

4. Uncover, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake another 10 minutes to brown the top.

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6️⃣ Serve

Top with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
Serve with garlic bread, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad.

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🌟 Tips for Success

• Choose a large cabbage — bigger leaves are easier to roll.

• If leaves tear, overlap two pieces and roll together.

• For extra tenderness, simmer the rolls an additional 15 minutes.

• Use 85/15 beef for the best moisture.

• Swap rice for cauliflower rice if low-carb.

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🍽️ Variations

Italian Sausage Rolls

Use half beef, half Italian sausage for even richer flavor.

Cheesy Version

Add shredded mozzarella inside the filling.

Vegetarian

Use cooked lentils + mushrooms instead of beef.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara.

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❓ Related Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, refrigerate for 24 hours, then bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?

Absolutely — freeze before or after baking. They reheat beautifully.

3. Can I use savoy cabbage instead?

Yes! It’s softer and easier to work with than regular cabbage.

4. Why is my cabbage tough after baking?

It likely needed more boiling time to soften before rolling.

5. Can I cook these on the stovetop?

Yes — simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour in a large pot with sauce.

6. What side dishes go best with stuffed cabbage?

Garlic bread, polenta, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.