If you’ve ever adored the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but dreaded the tedious rolling part, you’re going to love this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. It captures all the comforting tastes in a wonderfully simple casserole style, layering tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and flavorful rice without the fuss. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something heartwarming without a lot of prep. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of tangy tomatoes, mellow cabbage, and satisfying meat, making it a family favorite that you’ll return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe keeps things straightforward with easily found pantry staples and fresh produce. Every ingredient plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- Green Cabbage: About 2 pounds, it brings a mild sweetness and the essential leafy base for this recipe.
- Lean Ground Beef: Adds richness and hearty protein while keeping the dish balanced.
- Cooked Brown Rice: Offers nutty flavor plus a wholesome texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- Diced Tomatoes (seasoned): Infuses juiciness and a tangy brightness throughout the casserole.
- Onion: Finely chopped to provide subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Garlic: Three cloves minced, for that unmistakable savory punch.
- Ketchup: Just a quarter cup to add a gentle tomato glaze and slight sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Two tablespoons bring a savory umami lift that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and enhance every bite.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by removing the core from your medium green cabbage. This makes it easier to separate the leaves once blanched. Boil the whole cabbage in salted water for about 5 minutes until it softens just enough to layer without breaking apart. This step softens the cabbage just right to create the perfect tender texture in the finished casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Beef
In a medium skillet, sauté finely chopped onions over medium heat until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and the lean ground beef. Cook together until the beef browns nicely, around 8 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper here to build flavor from the start.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Transfer your cooked onion-beef mixture into a large bowl. Add the cooked brown rice, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir everything thoroughly to marry the flavors into a hearty, moist filling that will be the soul of this dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a baking dish, start with a layer of those softened cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and rice mixture over this layer, then cover with more cabbage leaves. This layering method mimics the feel of traditional rolls but with minimal effort.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the remaining diced tomatoes over the top to keep everything juicy as it bakes. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through beautifully.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving presentation pop, consider fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds creaminess that complements the tangy tomato base wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a light mixed greens salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Or, spoon it over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a cozy, layered meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for a quicker option. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well and adds a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the dish light.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free, so always check labels.
Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?
You can, although brown rice adds extra nuttiness and fiber. If using white rice, keep an eye on the moisture balance since it cooks differently.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is mild and perfect for all ages, but if you want some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef or a dash of hot sauce at the table.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that still satisfies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves homestyle meals bursting with flavor. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every delicious bite!
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
A comforting and hearty twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe combines sautéed ground beef, seasoned tomatoes, and brown rice layered with tender cabbage leaves and baked to perfection. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make casserole that captures all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss of stuffing each leaf.
Ingredients
Cabbage
- 1 medium head Green Cabbage (about 2 lbs)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and blanch it in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked, approximately 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Filling Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, the diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer several cabbage leaves on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer. Add another layer of cabbage leaves, then transfer the remaining beef and rice mixture on top, and cover with more cabbage leaves.
- Add Topping and Bake: Pour any remaining diced tomatoes evenly over the top of the layered dish. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until heated through and cabbage leaves are tender.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage softens the leaves, making them easier to layer and eat.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Using seasoned diced tomatoes adds extra flavor, but you can also use plain diced tomatoes and season to taste.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
