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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm canola oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking for 5-7 minutes until beef browns completely.
- Incorporate chopped cabbage into the meat mixture, stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes until cabbage softens and releases its moisture.
- 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.
- Increase heat momentarily to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to medium-low heat.
- Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer for 15-18 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Gently fold in microwavable rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the cabbage and meat mixture.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing rice to warm and absorb surrounding flavors.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- 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