Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Name: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 1-2 clove garlic (minced); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 pound lean ground beef; 4 cups shredded or finely chopped cabbage; 1 can whole Plum/Marzano Tomatoes chopped (nothing added) (14 ounces); 2½ cups water or broth (homemade or store bought); ¾ cup uncooked rice (long grain); ½-1 teaspoon oregano; 1-2 pinches of hot pepper flakes (if desired); ½ teaspoon salt; 1-2 pinches thyme (optional); 4-5 fresh basil leaves or parsley chopped (or more if desired)

4.76 from 62 votes

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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 in the pan and in a white bowl.

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, from a Tuna Noodle Casserole to a Creamy Cauliflower Casserole to one of our favorite Leftover Mashed Potato Casserole.

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. My sister had a copy so I was in luck. It is one of the tastiest and easiest casseroles to make.

Recipe Ingredients

Olive oil
Garlic – clove
Onion – one small onion
Ground beef – lean ground beef
Cabbage – shredded
Tomatoes – canned Marziano or Plum tomatoes or diced tomatoes
Water – or broth
Rice – I use white rice, long grain
Oregano
Hot pepper flakes – or black pepper optional
Salt
Thyme –
Basil – fresh basil leaves or parsley

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned plum/Marzano tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to adjust the amount of water and cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.

How to make an Unstuffed cabbage roll recipe

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

Browning the ground beef and spices in the pan.

Then add the cabbage, tomatoes, water and rice, stir to combine, add the spices and combine.

The ingredients in the pan before cooked.

Cook over low-medium heat until cooked and thickened.

The cooked unstuffed cabbage rolls in the pan.

How To Make Homemade Broth

For this recipe I like to use a vegetable based broth but if you prefer you can make a meat broth with either beef or chicken. Of course, you can use a good quality store bought one or water.

In a large pot add a carrot and an onion peeled and cut in half, a celery stalk cut in two, a bay leaf, 2-3 pepper corns, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt and 12 cups of water, if you make a meat based broth then add a few pieces of meat (bone in is also a good idea).

Bring it to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for about three hours. Stir occasionally and remove any foam that appears on the top of the broth. Pour the broth through a sieve, and let the liquid cool completely if not using.

Any unused broth can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. It can also be frozen in freezer safe containers and will keep for up to 6 months.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Long grain rice is recommended because it holds its shape and texture well during cooking, but you can use other types of rice if you adjust the liquid ratios and cooking times accordingly.

Cabbage roll casserole on a wooden spoon and in the pan.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as an alternative to lean ground beef, offering a lighter flavor profile while maintaining the texture.

Is it necessary to cook the rice before adding it to the mixture?

No, the rice should be added uncooked as it will cook in the tomato and water mixture, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the lean ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or increase the amount of vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to maintain the dish’s hearty feel.

Can the unstuffed cabbage be made in the oven?

This recipe can be made in the oven in a dutch oven or oven proof baking dish. Bake for approximately 30 minutes at 400F/200C. It’s best to brown the ground beef as in step 1 before baking, be sure to cook the rice al dente also.

What can I serve with Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

This dish is hearty and can be served as a complete meal on its own, or you can pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread.

Recipe Tips

If the rice isn’t fully cooked, ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet to cook the rice. If the rice is still hard after the suggested cooking time, add a little more water and continue simmering, checking every few minutes.
If the dish ends up too liquidy after the rice has cooked, then increase the heat and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Be sure to taste the dish before serving or almost done and if you find it needs more flavor. Then adjust the seasoning as necessary. Adjust to your preference by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs.

How to store it

Any leftovers 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

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!