Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

If you’re searching for a hearty, savory dish that brings warmth and comfort, look no further than these Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. Imagine tender cabbage with flavorful ground meat and spices, all simmered together until deliciously melded. The ease of preparing this dish makes it a family favorite, ideal for cozy evenings or casual get-togethers.

A fun fact about unstuffed cabbage rolls is that you get to skip the intricate rolling process, making this dish an absolute favorite for busy weeknights. With its rich, vibrant flavors reminiscent of classic stuffed cabbage rolls, this recipe offers a quick, simplified version of a beloved dish that’s just as satisfying as its traditional counterpart. If you’ve ever tried my vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe, you’ll appreciate how this dish delivers a comforting, wholesome experience while being incredibly easy to prepare.

What are Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

So, let’s get down to it. What exactly are these Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls? Great question! Imagine this: all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—beefy goodness, fragrant spices, and sweetness from tomatoes—packed into a delightful casserole rather than rolled up. How did we get the name, you ask? Maybe because nobody wants to spend hours rolling cabbage leaves when they can simply toss everything into a pot! It’s said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dish is definitely a shortcut to winning over your family’s hearts. Trust me; after one bite, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

First and foremost, let’s talk about the main dish highlight: Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are not only packed with flavor, but they also serve as a complete meal on their own. Juicy ground meat plays along beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce and crisp cabbage, creating a delightful balance in every bite.

One of the best things about cooking at home is the cost-saving benefits. This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it easier on both your wallet and dinner plans.

And let’s not forget about the toppings! Sprinkle some shredded cheese or fresh herbs on top, and you’ve truly elevated this dish. If you love stuffed bell peppers or casseroles, this dish is a must-try. Ready to dig in? I thought so!

How to Make Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Quick Overview

These Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls provide satisfaction with minimal fuss. With tender cabbage, savory meat, and zesty tomato sauce, expect an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for gathering on a winter evening, you can whip these up in about 15 minutes of prep time before letting them simmer to perfection over the stove or in the oven.

Key Ingredients for Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Here’s what you need to create these scrumptious rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage (roughly 2 lbs)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water and blanch for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft. Carefully remove the cabbage and let cool. Trim the leaves away from the core, setting them aside.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add in the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the meat mixture, stir in the crushed tomatoes, uncooked rice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix everything together well; the rice will soak up the flavors as it cooks.
4. Layer the Cabbage: In a large casserole dish, place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spoon the meat mixture over the cabbage, then layer again with remaining cabbage leaves. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of tomato sauce.
5. Simmer: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious unstuffed cabbage rolls!

Top Tips for Perfecting Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Experiment with Meat: Feel free to swap the ground beef with halal ground chicken, turkey, or even a blend of quinoa and lentils for a vegetarian alternative.
• Timing Matters: Ensure you give the dish enough time to cook to let the flavors develop—don’t rush it!
• Avoiding Mistakes: Make sure to blanch the cabbage to ensure the leaves soften. Not doing this could lead to tough bites!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls have cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in the freezer, where they will keep for about 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–30 minutes or until heated through. This way, you’ll retain all that deliciousness, achieving the original texture and flavor!

Now, roll up your sleeves and give this unstuffed cabbage roll recipe a try! Your family will be begging for more, and who knows, it just might become the highlight of your next family gathering! Enjoy!

Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A simplified yet flavorful version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this dish features tender cabbage layered with a savory meat mixture simmered in tomato sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large head cabbage Roughly 2 lbs
• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground chicken or turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 cup rice, uncooked

Spices and Oil

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

• to taste Fresh parsley Optional for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water and blanch for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft. Carefully remove the cabbage and let cool. Trim the leaves away from the core, setting them aside.

Cooking the Meat Mixture

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add in the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through.

Combining Ingredients

1. To the meat mixture, stir in the crushed tomatoes, uncooked rice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix everything together well; the rice will soak up the flavors as it cooks.

Layer the Cabbage

1. In a large casserole dish, place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spoon the meat mixture over the cabbage, then layer again with remaining cabbage leaves. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of tomato sauce.

Simmer

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until the rice is tender and cooked through.

Serving

1. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious unstuffed cabbage rolls!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different meats or try a vegetarian blend of quinoa and lentils. Blanching the cabbage is essential for soft leaves. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days or freeze for about 3 months.