🇮🇹 Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Involtini di Cavolo)
Involtini di Cavolo are tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory Mediterranean filling, gently baked in tomato sauce until soft and flavorful. This comforting dish is rustic, wholesome, and deeply satisfying—perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Rooted in traditional Italian home cooking and aligned with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, these cabbage rolls combine lean protein, vegetables, olive oil, and herbs for a balanced, nourishing meal.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Hearty yet healthy
✔ High in protein and fiber
✔ Naturally gluten-free option available
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Classic Italian comfort food
🥬 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Cabbage:
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1 large green cabbage (12–14 outer leaves)
For the Filling:
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400g (14 oz) lean ground beef or turkey
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½ cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Sauce:
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2 cups crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper
Optional garnish:
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Fresh basil
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Extra Parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Carefully remove 12–14 cabbage leaves.
Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Drain and let cool. Trim thick stems if needed.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
In a bowl, combine:
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Ground meat
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Cooked rice
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Sautéed onion & garlic
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Parsley
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Parmesan
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Egg
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Oregano, basil, salt & pepper
Mix gently until combined.
3️⃣ Assemble Rolls
Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each leaf.
Fold sides inward and roll tightly like a burrito.
4️⃣ Prepare Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and garlic.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5–7 minutes.
5️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over top.
Cover with foil and bake 35–45 minutes.
6️⃣ Serve
Let rest 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
🥗 Mediterranean Serving Ideas
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Serve with a simple arugula salad
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Pair with whole-grain bread
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Add roasted vegetables on the side
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Serve with a spoon of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
🥬 Nutritional Benefits
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High in protein
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Rich in fiber
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Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes
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Lower in carbs than pasta dishes
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Balanced Mediterranean-style meal
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of spinach and ricotta.
Q2: Can I skip the rice?
Yes. You can use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Q3: Can I prepare them ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months.
Q5: Why are my rolls tough?
They may need longer cooking time. Make sure cabbage leaves are softened before rolling.
Q6: Can I cook them on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer gently in a covered pan for 40–45 minutes.
🌞 Final Thoughts
Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Involtini di Cavolo) are rustic, nourishing, and full of Mediterranean flavor. They’re proof that comfort food can be wholesome, balanced, and deeply satisfying all at once.
