Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe 🇮🇹🍅
Tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory Italian meat mixture, simmered in rich tomato sauce—classic comfort food at its best
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless, hearty dish made with simple ingredients and big flavor. Soft cabbage leaves are wrapped around a seasoned meat-and-rice filling, then gently cooked in a savory tomato sauce until perfectly tender. This dish is cozy, satisfying, and ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or Sunday gatherings.
🥬 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Cabbage Rolls:
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1 large head green cabbage
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1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or ground turkey
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½ cup cooked rice (white or brown)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
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2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
🍅 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic Italian comfort food
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Budget-friendly and filling
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Great for meal prep and leftovers
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Freezer-friendly
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Easily adaptable for turkey or vegetarian versions
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, gently peeling off the softened outer leaves with tongs as they loosen. Set leaves aside to cool. Trim thick veins at the base of each leaf for easier rolling.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Ground beef or turkey
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Cooked rice
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Chopped onion
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Garlic
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Paprika (if using)
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Egg
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Parmesan cheese
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Parsley
Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix to keep the rolls tender.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of the leaf.
Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up, like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.