Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish!
Sometimes, you want the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls, but you don’t have the time or patience to stuff each one individually. Enter Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – all the delicious flavors you love in a simplified, one-pot meal! This dish combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings, all cooked together in one pan for a cozy, easy-to-make dinner.
I discovered this recipe one chilly evening when I was craving the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but didn’t want to deal with rolling the cabbage leaves. With just a few ingredients, this dish became an instant favorite at my house. The best part? It’s ready in no time and can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and brown sugar (if using). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- If you’re adding rice, stir it in at this point and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat it through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and a mix of spices! |
| Instructions | Cook beef and onion, simmer with cabbage and tomatoes – easy and delicious! |
FAQs
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in some carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It also reheats wonderfully for leftovers.
Q: Can I freeze Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any broth or tomato paste you use doesn’t contain gluten.
