Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
All the cozy flavors of classic cabbage rolls, made quick in one pot. Hearty, saucy, and weeknight-friendly.
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Servings:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.25 cup diced yellow onion
- 1.5 tsp minced garlic
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 0.75 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional heat
- 6 cup chopped green cabbage
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp light brown sugar balances acidity
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce
- 0.75 cup uncooked long-grain white rice rinse until water runs clear
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef. Cook and crumble until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute to bloom spices.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well.
- Mix in rinsed rice and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Rest 5 minutes off heat. Adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Variation: Swap half the beef with ground pork or turkey. For a lower-carb version, skip the rice and simmer 10 minutes less. Storage: Cools and reheats well—refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.