Italian-Style Cabbage Rolls
Italian-Style Cabbage Rolls feature flavorful sausage, rice, and herbs wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, baked with tomatoes for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly brown, stir, and crumble sausage in a skillet; drain drippings, leaving 2 tablespoons.
- Sauté green pepper and celery with sausage for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Drain juice from tomatoes into the sausage mixture.
- Add pre-cooked rice and salt to the mixture.
- Place cabbage leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain.
- Spoon about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture into the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the leaves envelope-fashion to enclose the filling.
- Spread drained tomatoes over the cabbage rolls and sprinkle with a little salt, sugar, and oregano.
- Dot the top with margarine or butter.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture or using Italian sausage instead of bulk sausage for a spicier kick. If you have leftover cooked vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, you can mix them into the filling for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian-Style Cabbage Rolls alongside a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair beautifully with Baked Sausage And Peppers for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian-Style Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 84 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1627mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cabbage rolls a day in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This can help the flavors meld together and save you time on the day you plan to serve them.
What can I use instead of cabbage leaves?
If you're looking for a substitute for cabbage leaves, you can use Swiss chard or collard greens as they can hold up well when rolled. Alternatively, you could use large lettuce leaves for a lighter option, though they may not retain their shape as well when baked.
Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked cabbage rolls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).