Crispy edges, tangy tomato sauce, and all the comfort of stuffed cabbage, without the rolling. Unstuffed cabbage rolls are quick comfort food, ready in about 45 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners. Did you know, traditional cabbage rolls trace back to Eastern Europe, yet this deconstructed version speeds things up while keeping the flavors intact. If you love hearty, high-protein meals you can prep in under an hour, try pairing this with our high-protein sandwich recipes for leftovers that travel well.
Why this guide is better, it focuses on texture balance, seasoning tips, and foolproof timing. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make flavorful unstuffed cabbage rolls, troubleshoot common issues, and adapt them for diets.
What Is Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Unstuffed cabbage rolls are a skillet-style version of classic stuffed cabbage, where cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tangy tomato sauce are cooked together, no wrapping required. This keeps the same comforting profile while cutting prep time in half.
This method highlights caramelized cabbage edges and a thicker sauce, making it ideal for busy families. Quick swaps let you move from beef to turkey or plant-based proteins without losing the soul of the dish.
Quick Facts about Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Servings, 6
- Prep time, 15 min
- Cook time, 30 min
- Approx calories, 420 kcal per serving
Nutritional highlights - Protein, 22 g per serving
- Fiber, 4 g per serving
- Tip, make brown rice to boost fiber and nutrients (see USDA data for rice nutrition).
Did you know? Cabbage is high in vitamin C, with about 36 mg per 100 g raw cabbage.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or meat alternatives
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice For extra nutrition, use brown rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large skillet with the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Push onion and garlic to the side and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, mashing with a potato masher to get fine crumbles, then drain excess fat.
- Push the meat and onions aside, add 1 tablespoon oil and add the cabbage in batches if needed. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender with some caramelized edges.
- Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start on medium heat and follow these clear steps for consistent results. Each step lists the action and the expected result so you can check progress.
- Sauté the Onion, Action: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large skillet with the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Expected result, onions softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic, Action: Add garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds. Expected result, fragrant garlic without browning.
- Add the Meat, Action: Push onion and garlic to the side and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, mash with a potato masher to get fine crumbles, then drain excess fat. Expected result, finely crumbled, browned beef.
- Stir in Cabbage, Action: Push the meat and onions aside, add 1 tablespoon oil and the cabbage in batches if needed. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Expected result, cabbage tender with some caramelized edges.
- Combine and Simmer, Action: Add 28 oz (796 g) crushed tomatoes, 8 oz (227 g) tomato sauce, 1 cup (180 g) cooked rice, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Expected result, sauce thickened and flavors melded.
- Serve, Action: Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Expected result, warm, balanced dish ready to eat.
Variations & Substitutes
Small swaps change flavor, cook time, and nutrition. This section helps you adapt for diet or pantry limits.
Switch proteins to reduce fat or calories, or use meat alternatives for vegetarian versions. Each change adjusts cooking time modestly and can change texture.
- For lower fat, use 90% lean ground turkey, reduces fat by about 15 g per serving.
- For vegetarian, use 400 g lentils plus 1 cup (180 g) cooked quinoa, increases fiber.
- For extra tang, add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, brightens sauce quickly.
- For a spicier profile, add 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp cayenne.
Also try our high-protein chicken recipes for more lean-protein family dinners.
Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often overcook, under-season, or skip draining. Use this checklist to prevent common issues and fix them fast.
- Not salting the rice, fix, season rice during cooking.
- Overcrowding the skillet, fix, cook cabbage in batches.
- Skipping fat drain, fix, remove excess oil after browning meat.
- Adding tomatoes too early, fix, wait until cabbage softens.
- Undercooking rice, fix, add pre-cooked rice or simmer longer.
Chef tip: Taste and adjust salt near the end, because tomato acidity can mute saltiness.
Storage, Reuse
Leftovers store well and transform into new meals.
Cool quickly, then refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, 5-8 minutes covered, or in a 350 F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Make-ahead, assemble and chill up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Repurpose, use as filling for stuffed baked potatoes or over toasted bread for an open-faced supper.
Also see tips in our best chicken enchiladas tips for creative repurposing ideas.
Related Recipes / See Also
If you love this, try our other comforting meals, chosen to pair well with cabbage-based dinners.
- If you love hearty dinners, try our best chili recipes for cozy weeknights.
- For creamy, warming soups, see our creamy white chicken chili recipes.
- For portable lunches, check the high-protein sandwich recipes guide for pairing ideas.
Conclusion
Unstuffed cabbage rolls give you classic flavor with less effort, ready in about 45 minutes and adaptable to many diets. Follow the steps for reliable results and use the variations to match preferences. Serve, store, and repurpose with confidence for weeknight wins.
