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Healthy Mediterranean stuffed cabbage rolls in a baking dish.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head Green Cabbage
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey or Beef
  • 1/2 cup Cauliflower Rice or cooked rice
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups Tomato Sauce low sodium
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep Cabbage: Boil a large pot of water. Core the cabbage and submerge. Remove leaves as they soften. Trim the thick center vein.
  2. Filling: Mix meat, rice/cauliflower rice, onion, garlic, herbs, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl.
  3. Assemble: Place filling in leaf, fold sides, and roll.
  4. Bake: Place rolls in a dish, cover with tomato sauce. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.

Notes

  • The "Core" Secret: Cut a deep square around the cabbage stem before boiling; this allows leaves to fall off naturally without tearing.
  • Don't Overcook Leaves: Boil only until flexible (approx. 2–3 minutes). If they get too soft, they will disintegrate during the baking process.
  • Leaf Prep: Use a paring knife to shave down the thick, woody rib on the back of each leaf. This makes rolling much easier and ensures even cooking.
  • Seam Side Down: Always place the rolls in the baking dish with the seam facing down. This prevents them from unrolling without needing toothpicks.
  • Sauce Consistency: If your tomato sauce is very thick, add 1/4 cup of vegetable broth or water to the dish to keep the cabbage moist while baking.
  • Resting Period: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the cabbage to finish absorbing the savory Mediterranean juices.