Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Unstuffed cabbage rolls, also known as deconstructed cabbage rolls, offer all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but without the extra effort of rolling each leaf. This easy-to-make dish is a one-pot wonder that delivers tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and simple preparation, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No need to worry about rolling cabbage leaves. Everything is cooked in one pot, making this an excellent option for busy days.
• Comforting: Just like traditional cabbage rolls, this dish is warm, comforting, and full of savory, tangy flavors.
• Nutritious: Cabbage is rich in vitamins and fiber, while the beef provides protein. The dish is also easy to make gluten-free by substituting the rice.
• One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to clean up afterward, which is always a win!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Onions

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Season the Meat: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to coat the meat evenly.

Step 2: Add the Cabbage

1. Chop the Cabbage: While the beef is cooking, chop your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want the pieces to be roughly 1 to 1.5 inches wide for even cooking.
2. Add the Cabbage to the Pot: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Cook Until Wilted: Allow the cabbage to cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should start to wilt and shrink in size as it cooks down.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth

1. Add the Canned Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the cabbage and beef mixture.
2. Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, which will thicken the sauce and add a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
3. Add the Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
4. Add the Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: Pour the beef broth over the mixture, followed by the Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Reduce the Heat and Cover: Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dish simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Check for Doneness: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After 20 minutes, check if the rice is fully cooked. If needed, add a bit more broth or water and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is done.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once the dish is fully cooked, taste the unstuffed cabbage rolls and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your preferences.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Ladle the unstuffed cabbage rolls into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Use Ground Meat of Your Choice: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Control the Texture of the Cabbage: If you prefer a softer cabbage, cook it longer before adding the tomatoes and rice. For a bit more crunch, reduce the cooking time slightly.
3. Customize the Rice: Feel free to use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as different grains may need more or less time to cook.
4. Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a bit of a kick. You can also use spicy tomato sauce or add chopped jalapeños for more heat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it altogether. You can also reduce the tomato sauce and add more beef or cabbage for a meatier dish.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Cheesy Topping: If you love cheese, add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top of the unstuffed cabbage rolls during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese.

Why Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a Great Meal Option

1. Nutritious Ingredients: Cabbage is packed with vitamins K and C, as well as fiber. Ground beef provides protein, and rice adds a source of carbohydrates, making this a well-balanced meal.
2. Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground meat, and rice, making it a great option if you’re cooking on a budget.
3. Meal Prep Friendly: Unstuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day.

Freezing: This dish also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the dish from drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warmed through.

What to Serve with Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the cabbage rolls.
• Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of veggies, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Unstuffed cabbage rolls are a simple, delicious, and hearty dish that delivers all the traditional flavors of cabbage rolls without the labor-intensive process. This one-pot meal is easy to customize, healthy, and perfect for feeding a family. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe will become a staple in your household. Enjoy the tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and rich tomato sauce in every bite!

Yield: 6

Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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Unstuffed cabbage rolls, also known as deconstructed cabbage rolls, offer all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but without the extra effort of rolling each leaf. This easy-to-make dish is a one-pot wonder that delivers tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and simple preparation, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 5-6 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Garlic and Spices:

• Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

3. Incorporate the Cabbage:

• Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage starts to soften and reduce in volume.

4. Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth:

• Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir everything together to combine.

5. Simmer the Dish:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more broth or water.

6. Season and Garnish:

• Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

7. Serve:

• Serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls warm with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

Make It Healthier: Use ground turkey instead of beef and brown rice instead of white for a lighter, more nutritious option.

Slow Cooker Option: To make this dish in a slow cooker, brown the beef and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully and the flavors only improve with time.