Clicky

Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal
All Recipes

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

7287 Views

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a simplified version of the classic dish, offering all the delicious flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. This comforting one-pot meal combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Meat and Vegetables

  1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add Cabbage and Sauce

  1. Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, mixing well with the meat and onions.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

Finish with Rice

  1. Add Cooked Rice: Stir in the cooked rice and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined.
  2. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce.
  • Meat Options: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken also works well for a lighter version.
  • Cabbage Size: Use a small to medium head of cabbage for this recipe. Feel free to adjust the amount of cabbage based on your preference.

Variations

  • Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some extra heat.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground meat with a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.
  • Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make the dish lower in carbs.

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
  • Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Yogurt or Sour Cream: Add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top for a creamy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, unstuffed cabbage rolls can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox.

Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!

Can I Freeze Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I Use Red Cabbage Instead of Green?

Yes, red cabbage can be used, but it will give the dish a slightly different color and flavor.

How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure all canned products and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox.

Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, easy-to-make dish that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle. With tender cabbage, savory meat, and a rich tomato sauce, this one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or just craving something hearty and delicious, this dish is sure to satisfy. Gather your ingredients, cook, and enjoy the comforting taste of unstuffed cabbage rolls!

Happy Cooking!

You may also like...

Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Crack Chicken Recipe

No Bake Coconut Cream Balls

CopyCat Long John Silver’s Chicken

CopyCat Long John Silver’s Chicken

Cream Cheese with Pepper Jelly

Cream Cheese with Pepper Jelly

Lemon Curd Cheesecake Slice

28,656 Comments

  6. best real money casino united kingdom, popular pokie machines
    australia coin master free coins and spins haktuts (Betty)
    best australia online casinos, or usa casino
    rewards

  9. dollar 10 no deposit mobile casino united states, no deposit bonus uk online casinos and free bonus no deposit roulette usa,
    or gambling commission usa

    Check out my page – 4378 blackjack rd starkville ms [Ariel]

  21. paypal gambling sites canada, united kingdom roulette free download and
    no deposit casino offers usa, or best online casino no deposit welcome bonus; Adolph, casino bc australia

  35. online bingo games united statesn residents, play real money poker online australia and dollar 5 deposit online
    crown casino pai gow – Caitlin, australia, or gambling bonuses co usa

  37. best usa online casinos that payout, gambling statistics australia 202 and legal age for gambling in united states, or united statesn roulette strategy
    uk

    My web page … blackjack sls c-7 a hell’s gate (Ingrid)

  38. legal gambling sites australia, top slot games uk and live dealer blackjack canada, or bet365 play united statesn roulette online uk

    Also visit my page … best chance of winning in a casino
    – Melodee,

  42. independent online casino usa, 5 dollar min deposit best paid casino apps for android (Dorthea) united states and auto roulette online or app to play in united states, or
    new casinos no deposit bonus usa

  46. new usa online casinos no deposit bonuses, 888 poker download united states and best online slot new zealand, or bonus freuky slots

    Here is my web-site … huuuge casino game cheats – Francisco –

  49. best poker room in united states, united kingdom roulette payout calculator and united kingdom real money casino,
    or new effect of casino gambling – Kim, no deposit bonus
    2021 uk

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *