Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a deconstructed version of classic cabbage rolls.They combine cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce in one pot.The dish is hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare.Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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.