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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Dec 11, 2020 · 24 Comments

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Easy one pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, simple way to enjoy a classic. A full healthy meal in a bowl that the whole family will love.

Easy one pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, simple way to enjoy a classic. A full healthy meal in a bowl that the whole family will love.

Unstuffed cabbage rolls in a white bowl in front of a black cast iron Dutch oven

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. Same great flavors, but requires a fraction of the effort.

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.

Juicy ground beef and pork with chopped cabbage and warm rice, all smothered in a zesty tomato sauce. You wouldn't believe it's actually good for you, too! Yum!

What Kind of Cabbage to Use

The best cabbage to use in unstuffed cabbage rolls is basic green cabbage. This cabbage is in a ball shape and is light green in color.

This is the same cabbage that is used in coleslaw. It is hardy enough that it won't break down too much when cooked, and while it is bitter when raw, gets sweeter as it's cooked.

Unstuffed cabbage rolls in a black cast iron Dutch oven with a wooden spoon in the middle on a rustic wood background.

What Goes with Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are pretty much a meal in a bowl. Packed with meat, vegetables, and rice, it pretty much has it all.

If you'd like to include some sides as well, a nice warm crusty bread, such as this skillet cornbread, with a fresh green salad would round out the meal perfectly.

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!
Easy one pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, simple way to enjoy a classic. A full healthy meal in a bowl that the whole family will love.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Easy one pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, simple way to enjoy a classic. A full healthy meal in a bowl that the whole family will love.
5 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 413kcal
Author: Michelle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 jar marinara (24 ounce)
  • 1 large can diced tomatoes with liquid (28 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 small green cabbage chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown ground beef and ground pork with onions and garlic, until meats are cooked through and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and return to the heat.
  • Add marinara, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
  • Add cabbage and parsley. Stir to combine. Bring back to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer. Cover and continue simmering until cabbage is tender, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Add rice and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Simmer until heated through, about 4 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

  • This recipe is gluten free and dairy free.
  • Make this recipe low carb by substituting the rice for riced cauliflower.
  • Is the brown sugar really necessary? You can easily omit the brown sugar if you're eating low carb or trying to cut sugars. The brown sugar is meant to cut the acid from all the tomatoes and tomato sauce. It's not going to ruin the dish if it's missing, but I do recommend it if you're not on a special diet.
  • In a pinch, use all ground beef or all ground pork, instead of half of each. You can also substitute for other ground meats such as chicken or turkey.
  • Save some time by using 2 bags of coleslaw mix (without dressing) so that you don't have to chop cabbage.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer Directions: Follow recipe directions. Allow unstuffed cabbage rolls to come to room temperature, then transfer to a freezer dish or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer to an oven-safe dish. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 697mg | Potassium: 925mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 697IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 4mg
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Beef, Casseroles, Dairy Free, Freezer Meals, Gluten Free, Pork, Recipes Casserole, One Pot Recipe, Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dannii says

    January 24, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    I love that it is unstuffed and all just in a bowl. Total comfort food.

    Reply
  2. Alisha Rodrigues says

    January 24, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    Loving the combination of ground beef and pork. The meat looks so juicy and full of flavor. Looks absolutely delicious

    Reply
  3. Mindy Fewless says

    January 24, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    Genius! Great idea and came out PERFECT!!

    Reply
  4. Angela Allison says

    January 24, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    I grew up on cabbage rolls and this is my new favorite way to make them! All of the delicious flavors without all of the work of rolling them. Great recipe, thanks so much for sharing!!

    Reply
  5. Denay DeGuzman says

    January 24, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    I love cabbage, and I love this flavorful recipe! It was quick and easy to make.

    Reply
  6. Katie says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Made this for the family and it was a hit!

    Reply
  7. Beth Pierce says

    May 21, 2020 at 12:07 pm

    I love this! My husband loves this recipe. I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply
  8. Gail Montero says

    May 21, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    Hubby is gluten-free so this dish is right up our alley! Love that it's a quick and easy recipe for those busy nights!

    Reply
  9. Sara Welch says

    May 21, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    This is my kind of comfort food! Looking forward to enjoying this for dinner tonight; looks too good to pass up!

    Reply
  10. Angela says

    May 21, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    LOVE this recipe! Have made it so many times. Easy to put together and makes great leftovers! YUM!!

    Reply
  11. cookilicious says

    May 21, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    This looks super tempting..loving the flavors in here

    Reply
  12. Teribear says

    June 07, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    Amazing recipe!! Both my husband and I loved the flavor! 😋😋😋
    Very easy to make and since there's only two of us, I'm freezing the rest in 2 freezer bags for later! 😉

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 09, 2020 at 12:05 pm

      Great idea! Freezer meals are the best! So glad you guys liked it!

      Reply
  13. Shashi says

    December 11, 2020 at 12:15 pm

    Oh wow - I so love this recipe for unstuffed cabbage rolls - because seriously, who has time for stuffing and rolling right? Thanks so much!

    Reply
  14. Tara says

    December 11, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    Oh yum! These flavors sound amazing and I love how everything is made in one pot. So much easier than stuffing each individual roll.

    Reply
  15. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

    December 11, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    My Mom used to make stuffed cabbage and I loved it, but you're right -- it's a lot of work to make. Can't wait to try this easier version. They look amazing.

    Reply
  16. Cathleen says

    December 11, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    Omg this is so perfect!! I love cabbage rolls, but I don't like the actual process of rolling them hahah. This is the best solution, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
  17. Lisa Huff says

    December 11, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    LOVE stuffed cabbage but soooo much work. Love this much easier version!

    Reply
  18. Long says

    December 16, 2020 at 1:47 am

    I knew i had to make these immediately when I saw this recipe! They are so good! Thanks you.

    Reply
  19. Jason says

    December 17, 2020 at 2:59 am

    Hey! This looks awesome and I’m going to try it in the crock pot! Any suggestions? I already cooked the meat so I’ll add that last as well as a cup of uncooked rice in the beginning!

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      December 17, 2020 at 10:58 am

      You will likely need a lot more liquid for uncooked rice. Let me know how it goes if you try it!

      Reply
  20. Neil Ramski says

    January 29, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    I wanted a time saver over regular stuffed cabbage and this is it!!!! Sooooo good! I have Hungarian ancestry so I added two TBS of paprika. This is a keeper!

    Reply
  21. Karen M Wellman says

    February 15, 2022 at 9:25 am

    Delicious!!!!

    Reply
  22. Sue says

    September 28, 2022 at 5:39 pm

    I love the idea of one pot cooking. And these unstuffed cabbage rolls were delicious and easy. My polish grandma might be disappointed that they aren't in rolls but I think she would forgive me. Also I made this recipe with boca crumbles because my daughter is vegetarian. She loved it also. Served with crusty bread.

    Reply

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