If you love traditional cabbage rolls but don’t love the time-consuming rolling, boiling, and stuffing process, this Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It has everything you adore about classic cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and warm spices—but in a cozy, one-pot, no-stress format.
This dish is hearty, budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Best of all? It tastes like it simmered all day, even when it didn’t.
What Are Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Unstuffed cabbage rolls are a simplified version of the traditional Eastern European and Middle Eastern cabbage rolls. Instead of carefully rolling meat and rice into cabbage leaves, all the ingredients are chopped, layered, and simmered together in one pot or baking dish.
You still get:
- Soft, sweet cabbage
- Juicy ground meat
- Fluffy rice
- Tangy tomato sauce
…but without the extra work. That’s why this dish is often called lazy cabbage rolls—and proudly so.
Why This Is the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
There are many versions out there, but this recipe stands out because it’s:
- Perfectly balanced – not watery, not dry
- Deeply flavorful – thanks to slow simmering and seasoning
- Beginner-friendly – no special skills needed
- Customizable – works with beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian swaps
- Meal-prep approved – tastes even better the next day
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once… then keep forever.
Ingredients for the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need. Simple, affordable ingredients—nothing fancy.
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Tomato Sauce Base
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ cups water or beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 bay leaf (optional but recommended)
How to Make the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Step by Step)
This recipe can be made on the stovetop or in the oven. Below is the stovetop method, which is quicker and just as delicious.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
This step builds the flavor base—don’t rush it.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add ground meat to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink. Light browning adds depth and richness to the final dish.
Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage. It may look like a lot, but cabbage shrinks as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.
Step 4: Add Rice and Sauce
Pour in the uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, sugar, and all remaining seasonings. Stir everything well so the rice doesn’t stick together.
Drop in the bay leaf if using.
Step 5: Simmer Slowly
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
The rice will absorb the sauce, the cabbage will become tender, and all the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the rice is fully cooked and the mixture is thick but saucy, turn off the heat. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything settle and taste even better.
Oven Method (Optional)
Prefer baking? After sautéing the meat and onions, transfer everything to a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 180°C / 350°F for 60–70 minutes, stirring once halfway.
Tips for Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Every Time
- Use green cabbage for the best texture and mild sweetness
- Don’t overcook—the dish should be saucy, not mushy
- Rinse rice lightly if you prefer less starch
- Add broth instead of water for a deeper flavor
- Taste at the end and adjust salt or acidity
Delicious Variations You’ll Love
Healthy Version
- Use brown rice (add extra liquid and cook longer)
- Choose lean ground turkey or chicken
Vegetarian Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Replace meat with lentils or chickpeas
- Add mushrooms for a meaty texture
Spicy Twist
- Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce
- Use smoked paprika for extra warmth
Low-Carb Option
- Skip rice and use cauliflower rice instead
- Reduce the liquid slightly
What to Serve with Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
This dish is filling on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Simple cucumber or tomato salad
- Plain yogurt or sour cream on top
- Pickles or fermented vegetables
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Families
- Mild flavors kids enjoy
- One-pot cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for batch cooking
It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy—and everyone asks for seconds.
Final Thoughts on the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and big flavor, it delivers everything traditional cabbage rolls offer—without the extra work.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something warm and nostalgic, this dish hits the spot every single time.
