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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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