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!
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.
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.
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.
More Delicious Casseroles
Easy Cheesy Potato & Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Broccoli Potato Casserole
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!
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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
Updated from October 30, 2014
Donna says
You don’t say to drain the ground beef, should I or not. Thanks
Rosemary says
Hi Donna, no you don’t have to drain the beef, if the beef is extremely fatty then you might want to. Hope that helps.
Cherri says
This was really easy and tasty. We used ground buffalo and added chopped celery and green pepper. We’ll be making this recipe again. Thanks.
Rosemary says
Hi Cherri, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great week.
Vanessa says
I did not find this dish bland at all. Super easy to make and MUCH easier than rolling up the cabbage leaves!!! IF anything, I’d probably add some tomato paste to amp up the colour of the dish and add a little more tomato flavour, but not too much or it’ll overpower all the other flavours.
Rosemary says
Hi Vanessa, thanks so much, yeah I don’t find it bland at all either. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care.
Marsha says
Quick and easy, but I also had to add lots of worstchester sauce to give it a kick,(spelt incorrectly in no) lol! 🤨
Marilyn Fraser says
Fantastic!
Rosemary says
Thanks Marilyn, Happy New Year.
Mary-lyn says
Very easy and very tasty — no adjustments needed.
Rosemary says
Hi Mary-lyn thanks glad you enjoyed it. Take care.
Tova says
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. 🙂
Rosemary says
Hi Tova, thank so much, so glad you enjoyed it and the other recipes too. Have a great weekend.
Genny says
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.
Suzette says
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?
Rosemary says
Hi Suzette, I know can’t get much better than the gelato! Yes I am talking about passata. Have a great weekend.
dgoncalves2012 says
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!
Rose says
I know, took me forever to find it. Love it too. Enjoy it you two! Miss you guys!
Lana Bade says
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
Hi Lana, great idea using your crockpot, I will have to try that. Have a great weekend.
Jane Guay says
wondering do you brown your meat and cook your rice for the crock pot
Rosemary says
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.
Tammy @ creativekkids says
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
Russ R. says
I must say, I like how you take your photos & present them on your blog. I find it engaging.
Rose says
Hi thank you very much, glad you like my photos. Have a great day!