Delicious Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Ready in 30 Minutes!

Cabbage rolls have long been a beloved comfort food in many households, cherished for their hearty and satisfying nature.

Home cooks often find traditional cabbage roll recipes time-consuming and complex, leading to frustration in the kitchen.

The unstuffed version emerges as a delightful solution, transforming the classic dish into a more manageable and quick meal preparation.

This simplified approach maintains all the delicious flavors of the original recipe while cutting down on preparation time and effort.

Ingredients typically found in traditional cabbage rolls remain the same, ensuring a familiar and comforting taste experience.

Families and home chefs can now enjoy this classic dish with minimal stress and maximum flavor.

Tips To Make Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Better

• Maximize Cabbage Freshness: Blanch cabbage leaves just until tender to prevent overcooking and maintain their crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Drain Rice Perfectly: After cooking rice, let it sit in a colander for a few minutes to ensure excess water evaporates, preventing a watery final dish.
• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground meat on high heat to create delicious caramelized bits that add depth and richness to the unstuffed cabbage rolls.
• Layer Spices Strategically: Add dried herbs and spices like allspice and cumin during meat browning to intensify their aromatic qualities and distribute flavors evenly.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust water quantity while simmering to achieve your preferred sauce thickness, ensuring the dish isn't too dry or soupy.

How To Keep Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Pack in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and label with date. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Goes With Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Uncork robust red wines like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon that complement the hearty meat and rich tomato sauce, balancing the dish's earthy spices with their full-bodied character.
• Harmonize Herb-Infused Comfort: Fresh Green Accompaniments
• Serve alongside crisp Greek salad with feta cheese and cucumber, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory cabbage rolls and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Bread Basket Brilliance: Crusty Sidekick
• Add warm, rustic sourdough bread or crusty baguette slices to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, enhancing the meal's textural experience and providing delightful additional carbohydrates.
• Cooling Beverage Balance: Tangy Drink Companion
• Pour chilled tzatziki or buttermilk to counteract the dish's warmth, offering a smooth, tangy liquid that cleanses the palate and adds a Mediterranean-inspired refreshment.

New Twists On Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Keto-Friendly Cabbage Casserole: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates, maintaining the same flavor profile while making the dish low-carb friendly.
• Vegetarian Lentil Version: Swap ground meat with green or brown lentils, ensuring protein content remains high and texture stays hearty and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Use quinoa instead of traditional rice, adding a nutty flavor and increasing protein while keeping the dish completely gluten-free.
• Slow Cooker Friendly Option: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial browning, allowing flavors to develop over 4-6 hours on low heat for deeper, richer taste.

Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Q&A

• What are the key ingredients in this unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe?

The key ingredients are ground meat, cabbage, rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like parsley, dill, allspice, and cumin.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, this dish is relatively healthy. It contains lean protein from the meat, fiber from cabbage, and complex carbohydrates from rice. The recipe uses minimal oil and includes nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or vegetarian ground “meat” to create a delicious vegetarian version of the dish.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

This unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is quite beginner-friendly. It involves simple cooking techniques like boiling, sautéing, and simmering, with clear step-by-step instructions that make it easy for novice cooks to follow.

Why Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Hit The Spot

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this unstuffed cabbage rolls dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with familiar ingredients like ground meat, rice, and tomatoes, this recipe offers a delicious one-pot meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one pot means fewer dishes to wash, saving precious time and energy after a long day of cooking and cleaning.
• Versatile Flavor Powerhouse: Easily customize with different herbs and spices, making this recipe adaptable to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Beef: Classic hearty meat base for traditional cabbage roll flavor, lean cuts work best for less grease.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and depth to the meat mixture, can substitute with turkey for lighter option.

• Cabbage: Fresh green vegetable providing tender texture and absorbing cooking flavors, crisp and firm cabbage recommended.
• Onions: Aromatic base that sweetens and enhances overall meat mixture, yellow onions preferred.
• Garlic: Robust flavor booster that complements meat and vegetable components.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb adding color and fresh taste to the dish.
• Fresh Dill: Traditional Eastern European herb with distinctive tangy profile.

• White Rice: Filling starch that binds ingredients and adds substance, long-grain variety recommended.
• Salt: Essential seasoning enhancing all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice providing subtle heat and depth.
• Ground Allspice: Warm, slightly sweet spice typical in Eastern European cuisine.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice adding complexity to meat mixture.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and slight acidity to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates rich, smooth base for simmering.
• Water: Helps create desired consistency and prevents burning.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Finishing touch for added flavor and richness.

Step By Step Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Remove outer leaves from cabbage head. Submerge in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until soft and pliable. Remove leaves carefully and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook Fragrant Rice

Add rice to pot with salted water. Simmer until fluffy and tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Ground beef or turkey

Stir until meat browns and develops rich caramelization. Drain excess fat.

Step 4: Blend Aromatic Seasonings

• Cooked rice
• Chopped parsley
• Dried dill
• Ground allspice
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Water

Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing ingredients to marry flavors.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Spoon mixture into serving bowls. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Satisfying Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls blend savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce in a comforting one-pan miracle. Delicious family-style cooking brings traditional Eastern European flavors directly to your dinner table with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey

Grains:

• ¾ cup uncooked brown rice (or 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 small head cabbage, cored and chopped into large pieces
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup chopped fresh dill

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water

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Instructions

1. Prepare cabbage by immersing whole leaves in rapidly boiling water until they become pliable and soft, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove carefully and allow to drain completely in a colander.
2. In a separate cooking vessel, prepare rice using traditional method, ensuring grains are fluffy and separated. Season minimally with salt during cooking process.
3. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over moderate temperature. Gently sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce ground meat to the onion mixture, breaking protein into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
5. Incorporate chopped cabbage leaves into meat mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Sprinkle dried herbs including parsley, dill, and warming spices like allspice and cumin across the skillet. Mix ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.
7. Pour diced tomatoes and prepared tomato sauce over the mixture, creating a rich, vibrant base. Add water to achieve desired consistency and prevent scorching.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and allow ingredients to simmer gently. This slow cooking process will meld flavors and tenderize components.
9. After approximately 15-20 minutes, verify seasoning and texture. The dish should appear thick and aromatic.
10. Plate the unstuffed cabbage rolls, garnishing with a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately while temperature remains optimal.

Notes

• Perfectly blanch cabbage by adding a pinch of salt to boiling water, which helps maintain its vibrant green color and prevents mushiness during cooking.
• Choose lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier version, reducing overall fat content without compromising flavor intensity.
• Enhance dish’s texture by finely chopping cabbage instead of using whole leaves, creating a more uniform and easier-to-eat meal that blends ingredients seamlessly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg