If you love traditional cabbage rolls but don’t love all the rolling and stuffing, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll recipe is exactly what you need. It has all the comforting flavors of the classic dish—savory beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce—but it’s made in one pan with far less effort. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
Ingredients to make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 large onion, chopped
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1 small head cabbage, chopped
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2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
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1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
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½ cup water
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Small head cabbage
Lean ground beef
Tomato sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion
Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. You just want it fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, and the water. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cabbage should become tender and the flavors will blend beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll hot right from the skillet. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs nicely with fresh bread.
Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: About 50–55 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving) about this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
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Calories: 350–400
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 700–800mg
Nutrition values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to settle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then place it in airtight freezer containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What if I want to make it healthier?
You can swap the ground beef for lean beef or ground turkey. Draining the grease after browning also helps reduce fat.
Can I add rice?
Yes, you can stir in cooked rice during the last few minutes of cooking if you prefer a more traditional cabbage roll texture.
How do I know when it’s ready?
The cabbage should be soft and easy to pierce with a fork, but not mushy.
Source: www.allrecipes.com
