Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

This unstuffed cabbage roll recipe brings all the cozy, homemade flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each leaf. It is a one-pot wonder that delivers comfort food on a busy weeknight with much less effort. You get tender cabbage, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked together with rice which soaks up every bit of flavor. It has become a go-to in my kitchen because it is hearty, satisfying, and ready in under an hour unlike the hours it usually takes for stuffed cabbage rolls.

The first time I made this recipe I was surprised how much flavor the sauce and cabbage packed dish had without the rolling hassle. Now it is requested regularly at my family table.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: choose 85 percent lean for flavor without too much grease
• One medium onion: finely diced builds the savory base and sweetness when cooked
• Three cloves garlic: minced adds aromatic depth fresh garlic packs the best punch
• One medium head cabbage: chopped into 1 inch pieces the main vegetable hearty and slightly sweet
• One can diced tomatoes with juice: brings acidity and sweetness choose good quality canned tomatoes
• One can tomato sauce: adds body and richness
• Two tablespoons tomato paste: concentrated tomato flavor look for thick paste
• One cup uncooked white rice: cooks in the sauce to absorb flavors regular rice offers best texture
• Two cups beef broth: adds savory depth low sodium if watching salt
• Two tablespoons brown sugar: balances acidity with subtle caramel notes
• One tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: umami boost double check this for gluten if needed
• One teaspoon paprika: mild warmth and color smoked paprika is a nice variation
• One teaspoon dried thyme: herbal note that complements cabbage
• Two bay leaves: infuse flavor during simmering
• Salt and pepper to taste: essential seasoning
• Two tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish: adds fresh color and brightness

Instructions

Brown the Meat:

In a large heavy pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat cook the ground beef until no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. Break the meat into small evenly sized pieces as it cooks to ensure good texture. If the beef is quite fatty drain most of the grease but leave about a tablespoon for flavor.

Add Aromatics:

Add the finely diced onion to the beef and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds longer until fragrant. These steps build a rich aromatic base for the dish.

Incorporate Cabbage:

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot with the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the cabbage starts to soften and wilt. It may look crowded at first but cabbage cooks down significantly.

Add Remaining Ingredients:

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir in the uncooked rice beef broth brown sugar Worcestershire sauce paprika thyme bay leaves salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors distribute evenly.

Simmer to Perfection:

Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before serving remove the bay leaves.

Serve and Garnish:

Allow the dish to rest for five minutes off the heat so the flavors meld even further. Scoop servings into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

I love the earthy sweetness that comes from the cabbage as it cooks down in the sauce. It reminds me of Sunday dinners growing up where the whole family gathered around the table sharing stories and plates like this one filled with comfort and warmth.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This recipe develops even richer flavor after resting. For longer storage freeze portions for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Slightly undercook the rice if you plan to freeze so it does not turn mushy when reheated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to reduce carbs and increase fiber. Add diced carrots or bell peppers with the cabbage to boost nutrition and add more color and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds creamy tang. Serve with crusty whole grain bread to soak up the sauce or alongside steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal. Mashed potatoes are also delicious for a homestyle touch.

This unstuffed cabbage roll is an easy hearty weeknight meal that keeps well and freezes nicely. It is a comforting no fuss way to enjoy traditional flavors in under an hour.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can this dish be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the rice is tender and flavors meld.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and verify that the beef broth contains no gluten ingredients.

→ How can the acidity be balanced in the tomato sauce?

Adding a small amount of baking soda or slightly increasing brown sugar helps neutralize the acidity and smooth the tomato flavors.

→ Can pre-shredded cabbage be used instead of fresh?

Yes, a 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix without dressing can replace fresh cabbage for quicker preparation without sacrificing texture.

→ What is the best method to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a covered skillet on medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist and avoid drying out.