Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Unstuffed cabbage rolls offer all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. This hearty, one-pot dish combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice in a savory tomato sauce for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces), with juice
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch allspice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped cabbage. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Let it cook gently until the cabbage is tender, about 25 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Add the Worcestershire sauce and uncooked white rice to the pot. Stir well, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase cooking time accordingly and add extra broth if needed.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the mixture is too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Is it necessary to use uncooked rice?

Yes, uncooked rice is added to the pot so it cooks and absorbs the flavors along with the other ingredients. Using pre-cooked rice would result in a mushy texture.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 75 reviews

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a comforting one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato-based sauce come together in a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Tomato and Broth

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces), with juice
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Spices and Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch allspice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Grains and Garnish

• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles, about 8-10 minutes. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped cabbage. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the cabbage becomes tender, about 25-35 minutes.
4. Cook rice: Add the Worcestershire sauce and uncooked white rice to the pot. Stir well and cover. Allow the mixture to simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, about an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and less grease.
• Low-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
• If you prefer, substitute white rice with brown rice but increase cooking time accordingly.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to control the spice level.
• This dish freezes well; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Keywords: unstuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage recipe, ground beef recipe, one pot dinner, easy dinner, comfort food