Lazy Cabbage Rolls, the perfect quick, easy and delicious weeknight meal. No stuffing required, mix all together and dinner is ready.
Lazy Cabbage Rolls
Lazy Cabbage RollsI 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 Lazy Cabbage Rolls 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.
This Recipe can be made in the oven or as I started making it on the stove in a skillet, brown the beef first, then throw everything else in, cover and let it all simmer together for about 30 minutes
and there you have it, comfort food at its best. And this is just what these Lazy Cabbage Rolls are.
I have always loved cabbage rolls, my best friend’s mother is of Ukrainian decent and she would make the best (and still does) cabbage rolls and Pierogi (I love those too!).
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?
This wonderful, delicious Lazy Cabbage Rolls dish have everything, cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, rice and spices. Perfect for cold fall or winter evenings and you are looking for something comforting and yes healthy.
Could be the ideal Saturday or Sunday evening meal. I do hope you will enjoy this as much as I do and now my family does too, let me know. Buon Appetito!
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Lazy Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (1/2 kilo)
- 4 cups shredded or finely chopped cabbage
- 1 can whole Plum/Marzano Tomatoes chopped (nothing added) (400 grams)
- 2 1/2 cups water (590 grams)
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice (150 grams)
- 1/2-1 teaspoon oregano
- 1-2 pinches of hot pepper flakes (if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch pinch of thyme (optional)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves 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, then add the spices, stir to combine. Cook over low-medium heat for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked and thickened. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Updated from October 30, 2014
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!