If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker, fuss-free way to enjoy them, these Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are exactly what you need. All the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and tomato sauce come together in one pot without the hassle of rolling each leaf. This hearty, satisfying dish is perfect for weeknights when you crave a warm, homemade meal with minimal prep but maximum taste.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe plays a vital role in building its rich, comforting flavor. From the lean ground beef to the fresh cabbage and fragrant spices, these simple elements come together beautifully without overwhelming your pantry.

Ground beef (93% lean): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that’s juicy but not greasy.
Yellow onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth that balances the savory meat.
Garlic (minced): Offers a punch of aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
Head of cabbage (chopped into bite-sized pieces): Creates a tender, slightly sweet texture that makes the dish feel light yet satisfying.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Introduce a bright, tangy element and juicy moisture.
Tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce with smooth, rich tomato flavor.
Low-sodium beef broth: Adds depth and keeps the dish from drying out while allowing you to control saltiness.
Paprika: Brings a subtle earthiness and gentle warmth.
Ground oregano: Offers herbal notes that complement the tomato and beef.
Dried thyme: Infuses a delicate, fragrant touch.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Uncooked white rice: Cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those delicious juices.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your dish by rendering out excess fat while locking in meaty richness.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped yellow onion. Cook for about five minutes, stirring frequently until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook it for just one minute more. This combination releases a wonderful aroma and adds sweetness and depth to complement the beef perfectly.

Step 3: Combine with Cabbage and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the chopped cabbage along with the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Bringing all these ingredients to a simmer creates a rich, flavorful base as the cabbage begins to soften and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Covered Until Tender

Seal the pot with a lid and let everything gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. At this stage, the cabbage becomes tender but still slightly crisp—the perfect texture for this dish.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Finish Cooking

Push the cabbage mixture to one side, and pour the uncooked rice into the cleared space. Stir it all together gently, cover, and cook on low heat for another 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the savory tomato and broth flavors, making every bite wonderfully tender and comforting.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once the rice is completely cooked and the cabbage is soft, remove the pot from heat. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps any leftover liquid absorb fully, ensuring a luscious, thick consistency perfect for serving.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before digging in, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each bowl to add a fresh, herbaceous pop that brightens up the rich, warm flavors. The vibrant green is not just pretty, it really completes the dish!

How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the most classic garnish for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, bringing color and a fresh herbal lift. You could also experiment with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar for added creamy or cheesy notes. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a zingy brightness that contrasts beautifully with the hearty flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables can lighten the meal and add a nice variety of textures. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Mashed potatoes also make a comforting side that complements the tomato-rich sauce wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls in individual ramekins or small bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation. You can also pile the mixture onto baked potatoes or stuff it into baked bell peppers for a creative meal variation. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds provides a satisfying crunch and extra flavor dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish keeps well for up to three days and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls freeze beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the cabbage tender and sauce saucy. Avoid overheating to prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook. Consider pre-cooking the brown rice before adding it to the dish or extending the simmer time accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe uses only natural ingredients without any gluten-containing items, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives, and even plant-based crumbles can be used to make a vegetarian version.

What should I do if my cabbage is very large?

If your cabbage head is bigger than about a pound, don’t hesitate to use all of it. Just keep an eye on your liquid levels and add a bit more broth or tomato sauce if it looks too dry during cooking.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, adding the rice later so it doesn’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious these Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls come together. This recipe delivers all the cozy comfort of classic cabbage rolls without the rolling hassle, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice simmer together in a flavorful, herb-infused tomato sauce, making a hearty, one-pot meal perfect for weeknights.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon, cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix in paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Cabbage: Cover the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Add Rice: Push the cabbage mixture to one side of the pot, then stir in the uncooked white rice. Cover again and cook on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Taste to confirm doneness.
Adjust Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow any remaining liquid to absorb.
Garnish and Serve: Spoon the unstuffed cabbage rolls into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add cooked lentils or mushrooms for protein.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 310
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

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