Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (Print Version)
Enjoy the classic flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss. This easy recipe features tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce, all in one pan.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Eastern European
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
02 -
1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
03 -
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
→ Savory Simmer Sauce
04 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
06 -
1 cup beef broth
07 -
1 tbsp brown sugar
08 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 -
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
11 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1 bay leaf
→ Aromatic Enhancers
13 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
14 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
15 -
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Chop 1 medium head green cabbage into 1-inch pieces. Dice 1 large yellow onion and mince 4 cloves garlic. Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh dill. This initial prep makes your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe come together smoothly.
02 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat from the pot.
03 -
Add the chopped 1 large yellow onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced 4 cloves garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavors for your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.
05 -
Add the chopped 1 medium head green cabbage, 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 bay leaf. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
06 -
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is very soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 -
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the 1/4 cup fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt or black pepper if needed. Let your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!
02 -
For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for plant-based ground and use vegetable broth.
03 -
Serve this hearty dish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra fresh dill for added flavor and creaminess.
04 -
If the mixture seems too dry during simmering, add a splash more beef broth or water to ensure the rice cooks properly.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or deep pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 409 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
Protein: 30 g