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

Scale

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

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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.