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Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting dishes that evoke a sense of home and tradition. Among these culinary treasures, Savory Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls stand out as a delightful embodiment of comfort food. This dish, known as "involtini di cavolo," combines tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful filling that reflects the essence of Italian cooking.

Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Discover the warmth of Italian tradition with Savory Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! This comforting dish is a delicious blend of tender cabbage leaves and a hearty filling of ground meat, Arborio rice, and fresh herbs. Perfect for family gatherings, these rolls can be customized to suit any dietary preference. Dive into a world of flavor, nostalgia, and wholesome meal prep with this easy recipe! #ItalianCuisine #ComfortFood #StuffedCabbage #HomeCooking #FamilyMeals
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Ingredients
  

1 large head of green cabbage

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup cooked rice (preferably Arborio for added creaminess)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cabbage: 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. Blanch for 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves are tender. Remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly. Peel off 10-12 large leaves and reserve them for stuffing.

    Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with ground beef, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

      Stuff the Leaves: Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling at the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the bottom to the top to create a neat roll. Repeat until all leaves and filling are used.

        Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.

          Arrange the Rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish, packing them snugly together. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring all rolls are covered.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a slightly caramelized top.

              Serve: Let the cabbage rolls sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, alongside marinara sauce for dipping.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6