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Delicious unstuffed cabbage rolls in a savory tomato sauce with beef and rice.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A simple, hearty one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of wrapping. Perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (or half beef and half pork) Ground turkey can also be used.
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked rice White rice is classic; brown rice requires more liquid and time.
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Essential for deep flavor.
  • 3 to 4 cups broth or water Start with 3 cups and add more if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Plus more to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 leaf bay leaf (optional) Adds additional flavor.
  • to taste black pepper
  • a small pinch sugar (optional) Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Brown the meat in your pot over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. When it is mostly browned, add the onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens.
  3. Add garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add cabbage and stir. It may seem like too much, but it cooks down.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, and broth; mix well so the rice is mostly covered.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 to 35 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning; consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon if needed, or a pinch of sugar if it’s too acidic.

Notes

This dish is great for leftovers and gets better as it sits. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen.