Easy Italian Unrolled Cabbage Rolls
↓ Jump to RecipeDiscover a comforting twist on classic cabbage rolls. Featuring savory ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a perfect family dinner.
- Prep 15 min
- Cook 45 min
- 4 servings
- Main Dish
Table of contents
Traditional cabbage rolls are often considered a labor of love because of the tedious process of stuffing and wrapping individual leaves. This Italian unrolled version offers all those classic, comforting flavors without the extra work. By baking the cabbage halves open, you create a hearty, layered dish that perfectly marries savory meat with rich, creamy sauce. It is a warm, inviting meal that feels like a hug on a plate for your family.
This vibrant dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something special but lack hours for prep time. The cabbage becomes incredibly tender and sweet, absorbing the richness of the heavy cream and tomato sauce. With a generous layer of melted mozzarella on top, every bite provides a delightful balance of textures and savory notes that satisfy both adults and children alike.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No time-consuming wrapping or stuffing required
- A rich and creamy tomato sauce that adds deep depth
- A complete one-pan meal for easy cleanup
- Hearty and filling with classic Italian flavors
- Simple enough to prepare ahead of dinner time
Ingredients
- 1 medium pointed cabbage (about 1.5-2 lbs / 680-900g), halved lengthwise
- 12 ounces (about 340g) ground beef
- 4 tablespoons (60g) tomato paste, divided
- 1 small onion (about 4 ounces / 113g), thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup (about 4 ounces / 113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Equipment
Easy Italian Unrolled Cabbage Rolls
Discover a comforting twist on classic cabbage rolls. Featuring savory ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Meat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that is large enough to comfortably hold the cabbage halves. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure the final dish is not oily.
- Season the Meat Mixture. Stir the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the browned meat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant. This quick step releases the oils in the spices, intensifying the flavor of the beef before it meets the cabbage.
- Layer the Cabbage. Place the cabbage halves, cut-side up, in the prepared baking dish. Spread 2 tablespoons of tomato paste generously over the cut surface of each cabbage half. Evenly press the seasoned ground meat mixture over the tomato-pasted cabbage halves. Arrange the thinly sliced onion rings over the meat to create even layers.
- Add Cheese and Season. Season the layers lightly with additional salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the layered cabbage, meat, and onion. The cheese will form a golden, bubbly crust that holds the ingredients together during the long baking process.
- Make the Creamy Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, soy sauce, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with black pepper. Carefully pour this creamy tomato sauce around and over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
- Bake until Tender. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork.
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