Cozy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Sometimes you just need savory comfort food in your life to fix a long, tiring day. I created this unstuffed cabbage roll recipe to capture those healing flavors without all the extra work of rolling individual leaves.

It comes together in one pot for the perfect low-stress dinner solution. My family asks for this hearty meal whenever the weather turns cold and gray.

What Sets This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Apart

You get all the rich, savory taste of traditional cabbage rolls with a fraction of the effort. Everything cooks in a single pot, which makes the cleanup process absolutely effortless.

This meal is incredibly budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It also freezes beautifully, so I often make a double batch to save for future dinners.

The texture is hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites at your table. Even my picky eaters who usually skip vegetables ask for seconds of this savory dish.

If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Zesty Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies Recipe next, plus the Irresistible Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup Recipe delivers the same bold flavors.

Everything You Need for Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Roll

Here is the simple shopping list you will need to make this dinner:

• Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
• Onion: A large yellow or white onion adds essential aromatic flavor to the base.
• Cabbage: You will need a small head of green cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Do not drain the liquid, as it helps create the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: This provides the rich tomato base that binds everything together.
• Water: A small amount of liquid helps steam the cabbage to perfection.
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves offer the best punch of flavor.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the savory notes in the beef and vegetables.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle heat to the final dish.

My Method for Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Roll

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Start by heating a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want to sauté this mixture until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onions have softened and become translucent. Once cooked, be sure to drain and discard any excess grease from the pan to ensure the final dish isn’t too heavy.
2. Next, add the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper directly into the pot with the beef. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients and ensure the cabbage is coated in the tomato mixture. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite. You should check it occasionally and give it a stir to prevent sticking at the bottom. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, creating a rich coating for the meat and vegetables. Remove the pot from the heat once the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness and serve immediately.

My Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Secrets

For the best texture, I recommend chopping the cabbage into rough one-inch squares rather than thin shreds. This ensures the vegetable holds its shape during the simmer without turning into mush.

If you want a richer flavor profile, swap the water for beef broth or vegetable stock. Unstuffed cabbage roll benefits greatly from this simple adjustment that adds depth to the sauce.

Lean ground beef works best here to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. If you use a higher fat percentage, make sure to drain the meat thoroughly before adding the sauce ingredients.

How to Serve This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll

I usually serve this piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes. The starch soaks up the savory tomato sauce perfectly for a complete meal.

A slice of crusty bread is also excellent for dipping into the rich broth. You can top your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more easy family dinner inspiration!

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

---

• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 53 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty, one-pot unstuffed cabbage roll casserole that brings all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage without the work. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

---

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft, then drain excess grease.
2. Add the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for roughly 30 to 35 minutes until the cabbage is tender. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve over white rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 18 min
• Resting Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 398
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 1294mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 93mg

Keywords: unstuffed cabbage roll recipe, easy cabbage casserole, ground beef and cabbage, one pot dinner, comfort food