Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Enjoy the classic flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss. This easy unstuffed cabbage roll recipe delivers hearty comfort in a simple, delicious weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Eastern European
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
03 -
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
→ Rich Tomato Broth
04 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
06 -
1 cup beef broth
07 -
1 tbsp brown sugar
08 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
1/2 tsp dried dill
11 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Aromatic Foundation
12 -
1 tbsp olive oil
13 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
14 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
15 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, for 1 minute. Add 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
02 -
Stir 2 tbsp tomato paste into the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This forms the rich base for your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.
03 -
Stir in 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped, and 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice. Ensure the cabbage and rice are well distributed throughout the tomato broth and beef mixture.
04 -
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice should be tender and the cabbage softened, absorbing the delicious flavors of this Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.
05 -
Remove the pot from heat and let the Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle generous portions into bowls. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, before serving. Enjoy this comforting and easy meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For a slightly spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!
03 -
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter version, or use brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid slightly).
04 -
Serve this hearty dish with a dollop of sour cream or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 548 kcal
Total Fat: 27 g
Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
Protein: 35 g