Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory Italian-seasoned ground beef, rice, Parmesan, and garlic, then baked in a rich tomato sauce and finished with melted mozzarella. This comforting Italian-inspired dinner is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a family meal.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Broiling: 2–3 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Filling
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
½ cup cooked rice
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Tomato Sauce
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar, optional
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Assembly
8 large cabbage leaves
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional
Crusty garlic bread for serving
Instructions
- Blanch the cabbage leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the cabbage leaves and blanch for about 2 minutes, until softened. Transfer them immediately to an ice bath, then drain well. - Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined. - Make the tomato sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sugar if using, and red pepper flakes to a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. - Roll the cabbage
Place one cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon some filling near the bottom center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, similar to a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. - Assemble
Spread some tomato sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. - Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the filling is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. - Add mozzarella
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the cabbage rolls. Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. - Serve
Let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty garlic bread.