Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy One-Pan Recipe (Print Version)
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls bring classic comfort without the fuss. Enjoy tender ground meat, rice, and cabbage in a savory tomato sauce. A hearty, easy weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Eastern European
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 1/2 lbs green cabbage, cored and shredded
03 -
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
04 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Savory Simmer Sauce
07 -
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
08 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
09 -
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
10 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
11 -
1 tbsp light brown sugar
→ Flavorful Enhancers
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 tsp dried dill
14 -
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
15 -
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
16 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
17 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
02 -
Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp dried marjoram, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
03 -
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp light brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring well.
04 -
Add 1 1/2 lbs green cabbage, cored and shredded, and 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and submerged in the sauce for your Delicious Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.
05 -
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to perfect your Delicious Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.
06 -
Remove the pot from heat and let your Delicious Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers! Store cooled unstuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
02 -
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt when serving.
03 -
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices in Step 2.
04 -
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or deep skillet
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 416 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
Protein: 30 g