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Welcome to "Cabbage Wonderland: Meatball Delight," a heartwarming dish that beautifully combines the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals with the nutritional benefits of fresh ingredients. This recipe is a perfect representation of comfort food—a dish that not only warms your body but also nourishes your soul. As families gather around the dinner table, this delightful fusion of cabbage and savory meatballs creates an inviting atmosphere that sparks conversation and fond memories.

Meatball Stuffed Whole Cabbage

Discover the heartwarming Cabbage Wonderland: Meatball Delight recipe that combines nutritious ingredients with comforting flavors. This delightful dish features tender cabbage cradling juicy meatballs, enhanced by creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family gatherings, it's a meal that warms both body and soul. Try it today for a nutritious twist on comfort food! #CabbageWonderland #Meatballs #ComfortFood #HealthyRecipes #FamilyMeals #CookingWithLove
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Ingredients
  

1 large green cabbage

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and gently place the whole cabbage in the boiling water. Blanch for about 10 minutes or until the outer leaves are tender. Remove and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off 12 of the outer leaves, keeping them intact. Dice the rest of the cabbage core and set aside.

    Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

      Prepare the Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté the diced cabbage core until soft, about 5 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the meatball mixture, then mix again.

        Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture in the center of each leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

          Assemble in a Baking Dish: Spread a small layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Place stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the rolls, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over everything.

            Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

              Serve: Let the cabbage rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired!

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8