Description
Classic Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Parmesan cheese, simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs and garlic. This hearty dish combines tender cabbage leaves with flavorful meat filling for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set the leaves aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each blanched cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to keep the rolls intact during cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Arrange the prepared cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the rolls to coat them evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the rolls from the heat and serve warm. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage leaves makes them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Using cooked rice in the filling helps to bind the mixture and add texture.
- Simmering the rolls gently ensures even cooking and tenderizes the meat filling.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Make sure to adjust seasoning in the sauce according to taste.
