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.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lbs (454 g) ground beef (93% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 head cabbage (~1 lb / 500 g), chopped into bite-sized pieces (4–5 cups / 300–400 g)

Tomato and Broth Mix

1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
1½ cups (355 ml) low-sodium beef broth

Spices & Seasonings

2 tsps (4 g) paprika
1 tsp (1 g) ground oregano
1 tsp (1 g) dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

1 cup (190 g) uncooked white rice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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