Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are comforting and nourishing, but it can be time consuming to steam cabbage leaves and roll them up. This unstuffed cabbage roll recipe has all of the cabbage, ground beef and tomato goodness of the classic dish but comes together fast in a single skillet.

Tender meatballs are simmered in a tangy tomato and cabbage broth. Serve with buttery dinner rolls for a hearty meal that is easy to pull together.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Ingredients

• Onion: Chopped onions add savory flavor.
• Cabbage: This recipe uses about 8 cups of cabbage. That equals to about one medium head.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (along with their juice) and tomato sauce add flavor and liquid.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice gives the sauce it’s distinctive sweet and sour taste.
• Raisins: Raisins are a traditional addition to cabbage rolls and offer a bit of sweetness to the sauce.
• Rice: Rice adds body to the meatballs.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a teaspoon contributes big umami flavor.
• Ground beef: Shape a pound of lean ground beef into balls that simmer in the sauce, absorbing all of the flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the sauce

Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a large skillet that has a lid. Bring it to a boil then reduce it to a simmer.

Step 2: Mix up the meatballs

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Variations

• Brighten it up: Fresh herbs like parsley can be minced and sprinkled on after cooking or just before serving. Here’s a refresher on how to cut fresh herbs.
• Use a different ground meat: Any ground meat can be used for the meatballs. Try varieties of turkey or lamb.
• Add raisins or not?: If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to skip them. Or try yellow raisins if you’d like them to blend into the sauce.  Add a teaspoon of sugar if you omit the raisins but still want some sweetness.

How to Store Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Store leftovers in a covered dish in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can you freeze unstuffed cabbage rolls?

This recipe freezes well. Just transfer the unstuffed cabbage to an airtight storage dish and freeze for three to six months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet. Add a little more tomato sauce or chicken broth if needed to loosen it up.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Tips

What’s the best way to chop cabbage?

You don’t need finely shredded cabbage for this recipe. Simply quarter the cabbage head, cut out the core and chop into the desired size.

Can I make this dish with loose ground beef instead of meatballs?

If you want to skip shaping meatballs, you use all of the same ingredients but cook in a slightly different order. Start by browning the meat and onions in the skillet. If you want, drain and excess fat. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer as directed.

How do I make this recipe as a soup?

If you want more of a soup-like texture, add more liquid when you cook the sauce. Add more tomato juice, tomato sauce or a chicken or vegetable broth.