If you love the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but prefer a quicker, fuss-free version, this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the hearty goodness of the classic dish with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of sweetness—all mixed together in a cozy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want that satisfying, home-cooked vibe without complicated rolling. Simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious, this dish proves you don’t need to assemble individual rolls to enjoy all the magic of cabbage rolls in one delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together with such ease, each adding a unique texture, flavor, or burst of color to bring this dish to life. From the tender cabbage to the savory ground beef and the tangy tomatoes, every component is essential to making this recipe a standout.
- Green Cabbage (1 medium head, about 2 lbs): Provides that fresh, slightly crunchy base that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds heartiness and rich, meaty goodness without overpowering the dish.
- Cooked Brown Rice (1 cup): Brings a nutty flavor and filling texture that makes the dish wonderfully satisfying.
- Diced Tomatoes, seasoned (14.5 oz can): Offers juicy acidity and a touch of sweetness to brighten the mix.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Builds a flavorful foundation with its natural sweetness and slight bite.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements.
- Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): Brings depth and umami richness that amplifies the meat and tomato flavors.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing and rounding out every flavor in the dish.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by carefully removing the core from your cabbage, then blanch the whole head in boiling salted water for about five minutes. This softens the leaves just enough to make them tender but still sturdy, setting the perfect stage for layering without the extra work of rolling.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Next, gently sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until they turn clear and fragrant—about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking the meat until browned and completely cooked through. Season with salt and pepper here to infuse the beef mixture with balanced savory notes.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring all the flavors together by mixing the cooked brown rice, diced seasoned tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and the perfectly cooked beef and onion blend. Stir everything until it’s evenly combined and you can almost taste the delicious layers about to bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, lay down a base layer of your softened cabbage leaves. Spoon the beef and rice mixture over this cabbage foundation, then cover it with the remaining cabbage leaves, creating a cozy “casserole” effect without the hassle of rolling each leaf.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the rest of the diced tomatoes over the top to keep things moist and flavorful. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in steam, then bake for about 35 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded into one glorious, comforting meal.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill add just the right pop of color and freshness on top. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can provide a creamy contrast that complements the tangy tomato sauce beautifully. Don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for that extra zing!
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce, such as creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. For lighter options, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans balance the richness perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress dinner guests, try serving the unstuffed mixture in individual ramekins lined with cabbage leaves or spoon it over baked polenta for an elegant twist. You can also drizzle with a bit of spicy mustard or sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking to customize the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This hearty casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw thoroughly overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the cabbage tender and the beef juicy. You can also microwave servings covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and still pairs nicely with the cabbage and tomato flavors. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until no pink remains.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can swap out the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the hearty texture. Adding extra spices or smoked paprika can help deepen the flavor.
Do I have to blanch the cabbage?
Blanching softens the cabbage leaves and makes layering easier, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and bake a bit longer; however, the texture won’t be quite as tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since this recipe uses cooked brown rice instead of breadcrumbs or wheat, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check that your Worcestershire sauce contains no gluten.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Oven reheating at a low temperature works best to maintain the texture and flavor. Cover with foil to keep moisture in and heat for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe that it quickly becomes a cherished favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. Give it a try and enjoy all the heartwarming goodness of cabbage rolls without the hassle—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but with a much easier preparation. Ground beef, cooked brown rice, and seasoned diced tomatoes come together with sautéed onions and garlic, layered with tender cabbage leaves, and baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner, delivering the classic taste without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Produce
- 1 medium head Green Cabbage (about 2 lbs)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb lean Ground Beef
Pantry
- 1 cup Cooked Brown Rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (seasoned)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and blanch it in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes until the leaves are slightly tender. Drain and set aside. This softens the cabbage for layering and baking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Combine Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, seasoned diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and the browned beef and onion mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer some of the blanched cabbage leaves, then spread half or all of the beef and rice mixture evenly on top. Cover with additional cabbage leaves to create layers.
- Bake: Pour any remaining diced tomatoes over the cabbage layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake for about 35 minutes, until heated through and bubbling. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage softens it and makes it easier to layer and eat.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version.
- Use seasoned diced tomatoes for extra flavor, or add your own herbs like thyme or paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
