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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss. Ground beef, tender cabbage, savory tomatoes, and aromatic spices come together with rice in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This easy stovetop recipe offers a warm and wholesome dish perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces) with juice
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup white rice, uncooked
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pinch allspice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Then add the diced onion and sauté together until the onion is softened, about 5 more minutes.
  2. Add vegetables and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and the chopped cabbage. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Season the mixture: Add chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, a pinch of allspice, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir the seasonings evenly throughout the pot.
  4. Simmer the cabbage: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered until the cabbage becomes tender, about 25-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add rice and Worcestershire sauce: After the cabbage is tender, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and uncooked white rice. Mix well, then cover the pot with a lid to allow the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often to retain steam.
  6. Final touches and serve: Once the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier version and to reduce excess fat.
  • Make sure to chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder slightly.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef cabbage recipe, one pot dinner, easy cabbage recipes, comfort food, stovetop cabbage dish

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/unstuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe/