The Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

My grandma’s beloved unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe brings hearty Eastern European comfort straight to your dinner table.

Memories of her kitchen swirl with rich, savory aromas that make mouths water instantly.

Tender cabbage chunks mingle beautifully with seasoned ground beef, creating a one-pot marvel that simplifies traditional cooking methods.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this delightful dish for its incredible flavor and minimal preparation time.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this recipe offers a nutritious meal everyone adores.

Familiar ingredients come together in a surprisingly easy technique that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Ready to experience a classic meal that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delectable bite?

Why Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Are The Easy Way To Enjoy A Classic

• Simplify Cabbage Rolls: Transform traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a one-pan wonder that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Family Comfort Meal: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato-based sauce, this dish delivers satisfying warmth perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, and create a personalized meal that suits different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutritious One-Pot Solution: Combines protein, vegetables, and grains in a single skillet, providing a balanced meal that's both filling and nutritionally diverse without complicated preparation steps.

What You Need For Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious unstuffed cabbage roll dish.
• Cabbage: Provides a tender and slightly sweet vegetable component that adds texture and flavor.
• Microwavable Rice: A convenient and quick-cooking grain that adds substance and completeness to the meal.

• Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the rich meat and sweet elements.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the savory components.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, slightly acidic sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish with their bright flavor profile.

• Water: Helps to create the right consistency and moisture for cooking the ingredients.
• Canola Oil: Used for initial cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

Steps To Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Aromatics

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns golden brown and crumbly.

Step 2: Soften The Cabbage

Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt and become tender.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Water
• Red wine vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, creating a rich and tangy sauce.

Step 4: Simmer And Develop Flavors

Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes completely tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Add Rice And Finish Cooking

Stir in microwavable rice until well combined.

Cook uncovered for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and perfectly tender.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Remove from heat, stir in chopped fresh herbs, and sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top for a bright, aromatic finish.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.

Helpful Tips For Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that still packs flavor.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers during the initial cooking stage for more texture and color.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of microwavable rice for a whole grain option that increases dietary fiber and nutrients.
• Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium tomato sauce and adjusting salt according to personal taste preferences.
• Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine or beef broth after browning the meat, capturing all those delicious browned bits.

Tasty Takes On Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Slow Cooker Cabbage Beef Medley: Transform the recipe by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-7 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
• Mediterranean Spiced Version: Replace red wine vinegar with lemon juice, add oregano, cumin, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Korean-Style Skillet: Incorporate gochujang sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and swap brown sugar with honey for a bold, tangy kick.
• Vegetarian Lentil Alternative: Substitute ground beef with green or brown lentils, adding vegetable broth instead of water for a protein-rich plant-based option.

Perfect Pairings For Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the unstuffed cabbage rolls, balancing the dish's tangy and sweet tomato sauce.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the tender cabbage and ground beef.
• Cool Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, refreshing side with sliced cucumbers, dill, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a crisp, clean palate cleanser.

How To Store Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Questions Answered

• Are unstuffed cabbage rolls easier to make than traditional stuffed cabbage rolls?

Yes, this recipe simplifies the traditional cabbage roll process by breaking everything into one-pot cooking, eliminating the time-consuming task of individually wrapping cabbage leaves.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork based on your preference or dietary needs.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Most likely yes, but always check your specific ingredient labels, especially for tomato sauce and rice, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Consider adding a cup of cooked lentils or beans to increase protein content, or sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish-inspired Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls deliver classic comfort without complex preparation. Savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce blend seamlessly in this quick skillet meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small head (about 1.25 pounds) green cabbage, chopped (8 cups)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1.25 cups water
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 (8.5 to 8.8-ounce) package microwavable white rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and/or parsley, plus more for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm canola oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking for 5-7 minutes until beef browns completely.
3. Incorporate chopped cabbage into the meat mixture, stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes until cabbage softens and releases its moisture.
4. Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, savory sauce.
5. Increase heat momentarily to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to medium-low heat.
6. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer for 15-18 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Gently fold in microwavable rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the cabbage and meat mixture.
8. Cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing rice to warm and absorb surrounding flavors.
9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
10. Garnish with additional herbs and serve hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Notes

• Trim excess cabbage core to ensure even cooking and better texture.
• Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavor profiles in the dish.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat without compromising taste.
• Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for alternative sweetness options.
• Use cauliflower rice for low-carb diet adaptation without losing overall recipe structure.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill provide bright, fresh finish and enhance aromatic complexity.
• Cook rice separately if preferring distinct grain separation instead of integrated method.
• Potential freezer-friendly meal: store in airtight containers for up to 3 months after cooling completely.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg