Get ready to enjoy the taste of hearty cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing cabbage. This delicious and comforting Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is perfect for those looking for a satisfying meal that is both easy and quick to make.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples including olive oil, garlic, lean ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a variety of herbs and spices. However, marjoram is a less common ingredient that you might need to pick up from the supermarket. It's a unique herb that adds a slightly sweet and citrusy flavor to this dish.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Ingredients
Olive oil: Used for sauteing the onion and garlic, and browning the ground beef.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Gives an extra kick and aroma.
Lean ground beef: The main source of protein in the dish.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy flavor along with some texture.
Tomato sauce: Helps to create a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the dish.
Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor.
Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Marjoram: Gives the dish a unique, slightly sweet, and citrusy flavor.
Brown sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Red wine vinegar: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Cabbage: The star ingredient, it gives the dish a great crunch and flavor.
Parsley: Used for garnishing, and adds a fresh flavor.
Brown rice: Serves as a filling and wholesome base.
One reader, Gonzalo South says:
This unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a game-changer! It's a delicious twist on a classic dish. The flavors are amazing, and it's so much easier to make than traditional cabbage rolls. I love how the ingredients come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
How to sauté onions and garlic: Sauté the onions in hot oil until they become translucent, then add the garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant. This will help to build a flavorful base for the dish.
How to brown ground beef: Cook the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it up into large crumbles and allowing it to brown on the bottom before continuing to cook and break up the beef until it is fully cooked through. This will add depth of flavor to the dish.
How to simmer cabbage: After adding the cabbage to the skillet, cover and simmer over medium-low heat, tossing occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften to the desired texture.
How to garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
How To Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Whip up a quick meal with these unstuffed cabbage rolls. Served over rice, this dish is tossed with browned beef and tomatoes with a blend of spices.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1cupyellow onion,(1 small), chopped
- 1tbspgarlic,(3 cloves), minced
- 1¼lbslean ground beef
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 14.5ozdiced tomatoes,(1 can)
- ½cuptomato sauce
- ¼cupchicken broth
- ½tsppaprika
- ½tspthyme
- ½tspmarjoram
- 1tbspbrown sugar
- 1tbspred wine vinegar
- 5cupshead cabbage,(½ medium head), chopped
- 2tbspfresh parsley,minced
- 1¼cupsbrown rice,or white rice, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a deep 12-inch non-stick skillet or a pot over medium-high heat.
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Add in onion and saute for 2 minutes, then add garlic and saute for 10 seconds longer. Push to one far side of the pan.
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Add beef in large crumbles, season with salt and pepper.
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Let beef brown on the bottom for about 3 minutes, then continue to cook and break up beef, tossing occasionally for about 4 minutes longer until cooked through.
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Drain excess fat. Return to heat add in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, thyme, marjoram, brown sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
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Toss in cabbage, season with salt and pepper to taste, reduce heat to medium-low cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes tossing occasionally until cabbage is tender.
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Serve warm over rice garnished with parsley.
Recipe Notes
To keep this a quick meal, use leftover rice or go for the minute rice especially if using brown.
Nutrition
- Calories: 556.78kcal
- Fat: 27.29g
- Saturated Fat: 9.37g
- Trans Fat: 1.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.53g
- Carbohydrates: 52.32g
- Fiber: 6.83g
- Sugar: 9.19g
- Protein: 26.10g
- Cholesterol: 80.87mg
- Sodium: 960.26mg
- Calcium: 124.76mg
- Potassium: 915.92mg
- Iron: 4.67mg
- Vitamin A: 43.77µg
- Vitamin C: 49.77mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
When cooking the cabbage, it's important to keep the heat at a medium-low level and cover the pot. This allows the cabbage to simmer and become tender without burning or sticking to the pot. Additionally, tossing the cabbage occasionally ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients. Remember, the key to a successful unstuffed cabbage roll dish is perfectly cooked, flavorful cabbage.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a single pot or pan recipe to minimize clean-up and save time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and freeze the extra for a quick and convenient meal later.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks simultaneously to maximize productivity in the kitchen.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize time-saving tools such as food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to expedite meal preparation.
Follow the recipe: Carefully read through the recipe beforehand to understand the steps and prepare accordingly.
Streamlined workflow: Arrange ingredients and equipment in a systematic manner to facilitate a smooth cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and ingredients while cooking to minimize post-cooking clean-up time.
Minimize distractions: Focus on the cooking process to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure efficient meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions, making them a good substitute in recipes.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and can be used as a healthier substitute in the recipe.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
tomato sauce - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be diluted with water to replace tomato sauce, providing a richer and more concentrated tomato flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can be used as a substitute for regular paprika, adding a smoky flavor to the dish.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish.
marjoram - Substitute with basil: Basil can be used as a substitute for marjoram, adding a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, providing a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for red wine vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor to the dish.
head cabbage - Substitute with savoy cabbage: Savoy cabbage can be used as a substitute for regular cabbage, providing a tender texture and mild flavor to the dish.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for brown rice, providing a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the dish.
Best Way to Present Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Elevate the plating: When presenting the unstuffed cabbage rolls, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Arrange the cabbage and rice in an artful manner, ensuring that the colors and textures complement each other.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green hues will provide a beautiful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the unstuffed cabbage rolls.
Incorporate elegant tableware: Choose sophisticated and refined tableware to showcase the unstuffed cabbage rolls. Opt for minimalist yet stylish plates and bowls that allow the dish to take center stage.
Emphasize precision in plating: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Aim for precision and balance, ensuring that every element is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually stunning presentation.
Highlight the natural beauty of the ingredients: Let the natural colors and textures of the dish shine through. Showcase the vibrant reds of the tomatoes, the earthy tones of the cabbage, and the wholesome appeal of the brown rice.
Create a focal point: Arrange the unstuffed cabbage rolls in a way that draws the eye to the center of the plate. Consider using the rice as a base and artfully layering the cabbage rolls on top to create a captivating focal point.
Balance the elements: Strive for a harmonious balance of flavors, colors, and shapes on the plate. Ensure that each component complements the others, creating a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Cabbage Rolls
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: A shallow cooking pan with a wide flat bottom and sloping sides, perfect for sautéing and frying.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients, especially in hot dishes as it does not conduct heat.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Large pot: Used for cooking soups, stews, and boiling pasta or grains.
- Spatula: A versatile kitchen tool for flipping, turning, and serving foods.
- Cooking tongs: Useful for gripping and lifting hot foods during cooking.
- Grater: Used to grate cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest for adding flavor and texture to dishes.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Colander: Used for draining liquids from cooked pasta, vegetables, or washing fruits and vegetables.
- Peeler: A tool for removing the outer skin or peels from fruits and vegetables.
- Garlic press: Useful for quickly and easily mincing garlic cloves.
- Rice cooker: Perfect for cooking rice to perfection without constant monitoring.
- Food processor: Ideal for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients with ease.
How To Store and Freeze Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Let the unstuffed cabbage rolls cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled cabbage rolls in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you want to freeze the unstuffed cabbage rolls, follow these steps:
- Transfer the cooled cabbage rolls to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the container or bag in the freezer, laying it flat for even freezing.
- Frozen unstuffed cabbage rolls can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen cabbage rolls overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed cabbage rolls to a pot or skillet and reheat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the unstuffed cabbage rolls in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals until heated through, stirring between intervals.
- Enjoy your reheated unstuffed cabbage rolls served over freshly cooked rice and garnished with fresh parsley.
How To Reheat Leftover Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Reheat in the microwave: place the desired portion of unstuffed cabbage rolls in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the rolls from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the rolls halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Reheat on the stovetop: place the unstuffed cabbage rolls in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the rolls from sticking and to keep them moist. Cover the pan with a lid and heat the rolls for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Reheat in the oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unstuffed cabbage rolls in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Reheat in an air fryer: place the unstuffed cabbage rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Shake the basket halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Reheat from frozen: if you have frozen your leftover unstuffed cabbage rolls, you can reheat them directly from the freezer. Place the frozen rolls in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
Random Fact About Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
The unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a deconstructed version of the traditional cabbage rolls, making it easier and quicker to prepare. This dish still captures the delicious flavors of the classic recipe but requires less time and effort.
Is This Cabbage Roll Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With simple and affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and rice, it offers a budget-friendly option for a family meal. The use of economical ingredients combined with the hearty and filling nature of the dish makes it a practical choice for households. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Cabbage Roll Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a healthier twist on the classic dish, but there's still room for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's nutritional aspects:
Positives:
- Lean ground beef is used, which is a good source of protein and lower in fat compared to regular ground beef.
- The recipe includes vegetables like onion, garlic, and cabbage, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Brown rice is a whole grain, offering more fiber and nutrients than white rice.
Negatives:
- The recipe contains added sugar in the form of brown sugar, which can contribute to excess calorie intake.
- The use of olive oil and the fat content from the ground beef may increase the overall calorie count of the dish.
- The sodium content could be relatively high due to the addition of salt and the use of canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner cut of ground beef (90% lean or higher) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat content.
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar used, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Use low-sodium versions of canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to control the dish's salt content.
- Increase the amount of cabbage used to boost the vegetable content and provide more fiber and nutrients.
- Experiment with adding other vegetables like grated carrots or diced bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
- Consider using a mix of brown rice and cauliflower rice to lower the overall carbohydrate content while maintaining a satisfying texture.
- Use a minimal amount of olive oil or opt for cooking spray to reduce the calorie contribution from added fats.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Cabbage Roll Recipe
The Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender cabbage. The addition of brown rice adds a wholesome element to the dish, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal. The use of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful twist on traditional cabbage rolls, providing all the comforting flavors in a simpler and more accessible format.
Enhance Your Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cabbage rolls, providing a convenient and flavorful alternative. The use of lean ground beef and wholesome brown rice ensures a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of aromatic spices such as paprika, thyme, and marjoram infuses the dish with rich, savory flavors. The addition of red wine vinegar and brown sugar creates a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. With the inclusion of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that's both comforting and delicious.
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