Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls deliver all the comforting flavours of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work of stuffing and rolling. This hearty, one-pan dish combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and warm spices into a cozy meal that feels like home cooking at its best. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, filling, and satisfying.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls :
This simplified version keeps the soul of the classic recipe while saving time and effort. Everything cooks together in one pot or skillet, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. The result is a rich, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by the whole family.
History:
Cabbage rolls have a long history across Eastern and Central Europe, where cabbage was a staple ingredient due to its affordability and long shelf life. Known as golabki in Poland, holubtsi in Ukraine, and sarma in parts of the Balkans, these rolls traditionally consist of cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and grains.
Unstuffed cabbage rolls emerged as a modern, practical adaptation—especially popular in American home kitchens—keeping the same flavors but transforming the dish into a simpler, faster casserole-style meal.
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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked or uncooked rice
- 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until slightly softened.
- Add rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices.
- Mix well, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until rice is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
- You can use brown rice, but it may require extra cooking time.
- Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.
- The dish thickens as it rests, enhancing flavour.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Easily adaptable for slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Tips for Cabbage Rolls :
- Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavour.
- Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
- Serve with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream.
FAQs for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls :
Q1: Can I make unstuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, they store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q2: Can this dish be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q3: Is it gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free broth and rice.
Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace meat with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth.
Q5: What cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy cabbage also works well.
Conclusion:
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect blend of tradition and convenience. They capture the comforting essence of classic cabbage rolls while being easy enough for everyday cooking. This nourishing, flavorful dish is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you want a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.