Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering recipe for Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
• Boil a large pot of water and carefully remove the cabbage leaves. Blanch them for a few minutes until they are pliable.
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Mix in the cooked rice, half of the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Place a scoop of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll them up. Place them seam side down in the baking dish.
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve hot and enjoy these savory and satisfying cabbage rolls!

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef to make a lighter version of this dish.

• Q: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

A: Absolutely! Quinoa is a great alternative to rice and adds a nutty flavor to the filling.

• Q: Can I freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls?

A: Yes, you can freeze them before baking for a quick and easy meal prep option.

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Of course! Fresh tomatoes can be diced and used in place of canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.

• Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version of the stuffed cabbage rolls.

Helpful Tips:

• Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling can add a spicy kick to the rolls.
• Try sprinkling some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
• For a cheesy twist, mix some shredded mozzarella or ricotta into the filling mixture.
• Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of marinara sauce for extra sauciness.

Expert Secrets:

• Covering the rolls with foil while baking helps them cook evenly and stay moist.
• For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions and garlic until caramelized before adding the ground beef.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling, such as oregano or basil, to customize the taste to your liking.
• For a low-carb version, skip the rice altogether and add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling.