Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Flavorful Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Enjoy all the flavor of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss. This easy, deconstructed recipe brings hearty comfort to your table in less time. Perfect for busy evenings.
# 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:
→ The Hearty Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
02 -
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Tangy Tomato Embrace
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
07 -
1 cup beef broth
08 -
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 -
1 tbsp brown sugar
10 -
2 tsp smoked paprika
11 -
1 tsp dried marjoram
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Crisp Cabbage & Freshness
13 -
1 large head green cabbage (about 2 1/2 lbs), cored and shredded
14 -
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
→ Finishing Touch
15 -
1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more.
02 -
Stir 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice into the pot with the beef and aromatics. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the rice. Add 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring to coat the beef and rice.
03 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp dried marjoram. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This creates the rich, tangy sauce for your Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy & Flavorful.
04 -
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. The rice will begin to absorb the liquid and flavors, creating a rich foundation. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the rice for your Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy & Flavorful.
05 -
Uncover the pot and stir in 1 large head green cabbage, cored and shredded. The pot will look very full, but the cabbage will wilt down significantly. Cover again and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
06 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle generous portions of your Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy & Flavorful into bowls. Serve hot with a dollop of 1/2 cup sour cream on top for a creamy, cooling contrast. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Make-Ahead & Storage: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
02 -
Substitution Tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use plant-based ground, vegetable broth, and a touch more smoked paprika for depth.
03 -
Serving Suggestion: While sour cream is classic, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce would also be fantastic.
04 -
Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the smoked paprika for an extra kick.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or deep pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 489 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
Protein: 33 g