Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. Imagine tender cabbage leaves, hearty ground beef, and savory tomato sauce all simmered together to perfection in one pot. This simplified version of a classic dish retains all the deliciousness and warmth you crave without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Whether you’re a busy home cook looking for a satisfying meal or simply craving a taste of home-cooked comfort, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the hearty goodness of unstuffed cabbage rolls with minimal effort.
Resume of the recipe: Savor the rich flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with half the effort using our Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you can recreate the comforting taste of this classic dish in no time. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce come together effortlessly to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Skip the rolling and enjoy all the deliciousness of cabbage rolls without the fuss with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Exciting Story: In our cozy kitchen, where the aroma of simmering tomato sauce fills the air and the sound of bubbling cabbage beckons from the stovetop, we’re recreating a cherished family recipe—Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. It’s a dish that takes us back to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where she would serve up steaming plates of hearty goodness that warmed both body and soul. As we chop cabbage and brown ground beef, we can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over us, reminding us of simpler times and the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. And when we finally sit down to enjoy our meal, we know that we’re creating new memories while honoring the old—a delicious tribute to the timeless comfort of home-cooked food.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
- All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: Enjoy the comforting taste of cabbage rolls without the time-consuming task of rolling individual leaves.
- One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients or adapt it to suit dietary preferences such as vegetarian or gluten-free.
What i need to make Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Brown Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Saute Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Saute until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Cabbage and Rice: Stir in the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice. Cook for a few minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Once the rice and cabbage are cooked to your liking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips For Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
- Customize the seasoning to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or adding other herbs and spices like thyme or oregano.
Substitutions and Variations For Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for the white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Experiment with different types of cabbage such as Savoy or Napa cabbage for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Make a Healthier Version For Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey and brown it without added oil to reduce the fat content.
- Choose brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
- Increase the proportion of cabbage and other vegetables to rice and meat for a lighter, more veggie-packed meal.
Closing: Enjoy the comforting taste of cabbage rolls without the hassle with our Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal on a chilly evening or looking for a simple yet satisfying dish to feed your family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls with half the effort. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the warmth and comfort of home-cooked goodness with every spoonful of this flavorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
While pre-cooked rice can be used to save time, keep in mind that it may become mushy if simmered for too long. If using pre-cooked rice, add it towards the end of the cooking time and simmer until heated through.
Can I make these Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to the Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Of course! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra vegetables or beans for protein and texture.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Quick and Savory Twist on a Classic Dish!
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small cabbage, shredded
1 cup cooked rice
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In the heart of our kitchen adventure, let’s dive into creating Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls—a dish that captures the essence of classic comfort with a quick and savory twist.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season the meat with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
- Layer in the Goodness:
- Stir in the shredded cabbage, allowing it to wilt and mingle with the seasoned meat.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Simmer in Tomato Goodness:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cabbage is tender, give the mixture a final stir.
- Serve the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.