Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Love cabbage rolls but not all the work? These easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls have all the classic flavors without the stuffing or rolling! Ground beef and pork, tender cabbage, rice, and rich tomato sauce come together in one pot for a family-friendly nutritious meal-in-a-bowl that's ready in just 40 minutes.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls are so good but require a lot of time and effort to make, with all of the rolling and stuffing. That's why this UNstuffed version is even better. These easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls give you those same great flavors with a fraction of the work.

Plus, there's something so comforting about eating out of a bowl.

Not only is this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe delicious, healthy, and filling, it's also a whole meal in a bowl AND you make it in just one pot.

This simple one-pot dinner combines savory ground beef and pork with tender cabbage and rice in a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot, and it's ready in just 40 minutes, making it easy enough for a weeknight dinner but every bit as cozy and satisfying as the classic. You wouldn't believe it's actually good for you, too!

Why You'll Love This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

• All the flavor without the work. No boiling cabbage leaves, stuffing, folding, or rolling required.
• One pot. Everything comes together in one pot for simple prep and even easier cleanup.
• Hearty and filling. With meat, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice, it's a complete nutritious meal all on its own.
• Quick and easy. It's ready in about 40 minutes, much faster than traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Budget-friendly. Simple, inexpensive ingredients like cabbage and rice help stretch the meat into a filling family meal.
• Great for leftovers. The leftovers reheat well, and it's freezer-friendly, too.

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

Basic green cabbage is the best choice for unstuffed cabbage rolls. It's sturdy enough to hold up well as it simmers in the sauce, but becomes perfectly tender and slightly sweet as it cooks.

You'll need one small head of green cabbage for this recipe. Remove the tough core, then roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

For an easy shortcut, you can also use 2 bags of plain coleslaw mix without dressing. Since the cabbage is already shredded, it cuts down on prep time and works especially well for busy weeknights.

Do I Need to Cook the Rice First?

Yes. This recipe uses 2 cups of already cooked white or brown rice.

I don't recommend adding uncooked rice directly to the pot. Uncooked rice would absorb quite a bit of liquid as it cooks, which would change the consistency of the tomato sauce and require additional liquid and cooking time.

This is also a great recipe for using leftover rice or those microwave rice packets from the store. Just stir it in toward the end of cooking and allow it to heat through.

Tips & Variations

• Don't overcook the cabbage. Simmer it just until it's tender. Cooking it too long can make the cabbage overly soft and watery.
• Use your favorite ground meat. I love the combination of ground beef and pork because it adds tons of savory flavor. You can also use all beef, all pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
• Save time with coleslaw mix. Substitute 2 bags of plain coleslaw mix for the chopped cabbage to make prep even faster.
• Adjust the sweetness. The brown sugar is optional, but it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and marinara. You can add more or less to suit your taste or leave it out completely.
• Make it low carb. Swap the cooked rice for cauliflower rice. Add it toward the end of cooking so it doesn't become too soft.
• Add paprika. For another layer of warm, savory flavor, add a little sweet paprika to the meat and tomato mixture.
• Use leftover rice. Cold leftover white or brown rice works perfectly since it's added at the end and only needs to be heated through.

What to Serve with Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

One of the best things about unstuffed cabbage rolls is that they're already a complete meal in a bowl. You've got protein, vegetables, and rice all in one cozy dish.

If you'd like to add something on the side, serve it with warm crusty bread, dinner rolls, or skillet cornbread for soaking up that rich tomato sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables are also great lighter options.

For an extra-hearty comfort food dinner, you could even serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

Storage & Freezing

Storage: Store leftover unstuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a pot over medium-low heat until heated through.

Freezer Directions: Allow the unstuffed cabbage rolls to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Love

• Unstuffed Peppers - another easier version of a classic! Make this delicious version of stuffed peppers in one pot in 30 minutes!
• American Goulash - a warm, filling one-pot wonder! Quick and easy dinner the whole family will love.
• Best Chicken Pot Pie - seriously. The best ever. Your family will be begging for more.
• Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - cheesy tater tots on top of a beefy casserole. Comes together quickly and easily.
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff - warm, creamy, and delicious with NO cream soups. Plus, make it in the Crock Pot!

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Video