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Home » Ingredient » Beef » Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Last Updated January 13, 2021. Published January 13, 2021 By Rosemary 18 Comments

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These Unstuffed or Lazy Cabbage Rolls, make the perfect quick, easy and delicious weeknight meal. No stuffing required, no side dish needed, it’s a meal in itself! 

unstuffed cabbage rolls in a white pan

I love this recipe, this is a recipe that my Mom made way back when. I imagine this is when Casseroles  were all the rage. When I moved to Italy from Canada my Mom gave me most of her recipes all written out in her hand writing, but unfortunately this was not in the group.

How I have looked for this easy Lazy Cabbage Rolls recipe everywhere over the years, from food blogs to googling it, from  asking my sisters and anyone and everyone who ever tasted this recipe. No one had it and no one remembered how it was made or so I thought. This was another of the lost and found recipes that my sister in Toronto had. One of the tastiest and easiest casseroles to make.

How to make it

In a large frying pan add the olive oil, garlic, onion, and ground beef, cook on medium heat until almost all browned.

tomato & shredded cabbage in bowls ground beef, olive oil & onions in a black pan

Then add the cabbage, tomatoes, water and rice, stir to combine, add the spices and combine. Cook over low-medium heat until cooked and thickened. 

the browned meat in the pan and cabbage, tomatoes and rice added

This recipe can be made in the oven or as I  usually make it, in a skillet on top of stove.

How to store it

Any left overs should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen in a freezer safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge, re-heat either in the microwave, oven or in a skillet on the stove.

unstuffed cabbage rolls in a white & red pan

More Delicious Casseroles

Easy Cheesy Potato & Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Broccoli Potato Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Bake

I have made cabbage rolls the classic way and yes they are amazing, but very time consuming, too many dirty dishes, but these Lazy Cabbage Rolls come together so quickly! And what could be better then everything mixed together in one bowl? Let me know if you try it. Buon Appetito!

a spoonful of lazy cabbage rolls

a spoonful of lazy cabbage rolls
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4.35 from 20 votes

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Unstuffed or Lazy Cabbage Rolls, make the perfect quick, easy and delicious weeknight meal. No stuffing required and no side dish needed.
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 370kcal
Author Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (1/2 kilo)
  • 4 cups shredded or finely chopped cabbage (320 grams)
  • 1 can whole Plum/Marzano Tomatoes chopped (nothing added) (400 grams)
  • 2 ½ cups water (590 grams)
  • ¾ cup uncooked rice (150 grams)
  • ½-1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1-2 pinches of hot pepper flakes (if desired)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch pinch of thyme (optional)
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves or parsley chopped (or more if desired)

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan add the olive oil, garlic, onion, and ground beef, cook on medium heat until almost all browned.
  • Then add the cabbage, tomatoes, water and rice, stir to combine, add the spices and combine. Cook over low-medium heat for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked and thickened. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @anitalianinmykitchen or tag #anitalianinmykitchen!

Updated from October 30, 2014

 

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    Filed Under: Beef, Casseroles & Bakes, Fall/Winter, Main Dish, Main Dish, Most Posts, Vegetables

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    1. Marilyn Fraser says

      January 4, 2021 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic!

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        January 6, 2021 at 7:13 pm

        Thanks Marilyn, Happy New Year.

        Reply
    2. Mary-lyn says

      April 22, 2020 at 2:16 am

      5 stars
      Very easy and very tasty — no adjustments needed.

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        April 22, 2020 at 6:58 pm

        Hi Mary-lyn thanks glad you enjoyed it. Take care.

        Reply
    3. Tova says

      November 2, 2018 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      Hi Rosemary, I just made this brilliant recipe , I duplicated it and the only thing I added was tons of Worcestershire sauce and served with lots of parsley on top. I also made your stovetop Mac and cheese, Italian meatloaf and pizza bianca. I found your recipes easy , quick, self explanatory and totally delicious. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        November 2, 2018 at 8:13 pm

        Hi Tova, thank so much, so glad you enjoyed it and the other recipes too. Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    4. Genny says

      April 14, 2016 at 5:10 am

      This dish was very bland. I had to add a lot more salt before I got any flavor and I also used quite a bit of Sriracha sauce which made it taste better.

      Reply
    5. Suzette says

      September 26, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      We go to Italy every summer to visit family…..love everything about Italy, especially the food (gelato, anyone?)!! Wish I could convince my hubby to move. Can’t wait to try this recipe!! When you say tomato puree, are you talking about passata?

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        September 26, 2015 at 11:12 pm

        Hi Suzette, I know can’t get much better than the gelato! Yes I am talking about passata. Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    6. dgoncalves2012 says

      February 28, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      O M G ! I remember this dish, we made it more than once and enjoyed every bite!
      Thanks for posting it, cause I couldn’t remember how you made it either. I guess hubby and I will make it tonight but enjoy it without you ;-(
      Happiness starts in the kitchen!

      Reply
      • Rose says

        February 28, 2015 at 11:44 pm

        I know, took me forever to find it. Love it too. Enjoy it you two! Miss you guys!

        Reply
        • Lana Bade says

          September 14, 2017 at 8:29 pm

          5 stars
          I use my Ninja Crockpot it browns meat then I add everything else cook on low about 6 hours.
          I add chopped red peppper and a little Franks Redhot sauce ????

        • Rosemary says

          September 16, 2017 at 10:29 am

          Hi Lana, great idea using your crockpot, I will have to try that. Have a great weekend.

        • Jane Guay says

          May 4, 2020 at 4:59 pm

          wondering do you brown your meat and cook your rice for the crock pot

        • Rosemary says

          May 4, 2020 at 5:26 pm

          Hi Jane, I have never made it with a crockpot but I would definitely lightly brown the meat but I think the rice would cook in the pot. You may have to add a little more liquid, but I really am not sure.

    7. Tammy @ creativekkids says

      November 5, 2014 at 7:38 am

      I think I would like this better than cabbage rolls and yay for less work! Thanks for linking up to the Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party at Creative K Kids! I’ve pinned your post to the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board

      Reply
    8. Russ R. says

      October 31, 2014 at 12:06 pm

      I must say, I like how you take your photos & present them on your blog. I find it engaging.

      Reply
      • Rose says

        November 1, 2014 at 4:27 pm

        Hi thank you very much, glad you like my photos. Have a great day!

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Rosemary.

    Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More
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