Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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, 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.
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.
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.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as an alternative to lean ground beef, offering a lighter flavor profile while maintaining the texture.
No, the rice should be added uncooked as it will cook in the tomato and water mixture, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
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.
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!
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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)
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 half covered for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked and thickened. The last 10 minutes remove the lid to thicken. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Updated from October 30, 2014
This recipe has all the flavours of cabbage rolls but is so much easier! I had a cup of chicken stock and 3/4 cup of tomato sauce that needed eating up so I added those. After everything came to a boil I put a layer of sauerkraut on top and then put the lid on and cooked it. I will definitely make this again!
Hi Wendy, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Take care.
This was so easy and delicious! I’ve been craving cabbage rolls and this was a great substitute so thank you. I didn’t have fresh garlic or onion so just used powders. I also used soup broth instead of water for some extra flavour. I also substituted rice for quinoa for extra protein (2 cups broth to 1 cup quinoa). And since I’m lazy I used the Dole pre-shredded coleslaw mix 😉 (great if you don’t mind a few shredded carrots in the mix).
Hi Ambrah, thanks great substitutions, glad you liked it. Have a great week.
I’ve made this a couple of times and it’s so satisfying. I freeze my cabbage so it makes for such an easy supper. I do cook my rice separately but thats just a personal choice.
I also add a small jar of spaghetti sauce to make it go further. Thanks for such a great and healthy and easy recipe!
Hi Linda, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
You don’t say to drain the ground beef, should I or not. Thanks
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.
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.
Hi Cherri, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great week.
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.
Hi Vanessa, thanks so much, yeah I don’t find it bland at all either. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care.
Quick and easy, but I also had to add lots of worstchester sauce to give it a kick,(spelt incorrectly in no) lol! 🤨
Fantastic!
Thanks Marilyn, Happy New Year.
Very easy and very tasty — no adjustments needed.
Hi Mary-lyn thanks glad you enjoyed it. Take care.
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. 🙂
Hi Tova, thank so much, so glad you enjoyed it and the other recipes too. Have a great weekend.
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.
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?
Hi Suzette, I know can’t get much better than the gelato! Yes I am talking about passata. Have a great weekend.
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!
I know, took me forever to find it. Love it too. Enjoy it you two! Miss you guys!
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 ????
Hi Lana, great idea using your crockpot, I will have to try that. Have a great weekend.
wondering do you brown your meat and cook your rice for the crock pot
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.
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
I must say, I like how you take your photos & present them on your blog. I find it engaging.
Hi thank you very much, glad you like my photos. Have a great day!