Say hello to the very best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls-your new weeknight dinner hero! Imagine all the savory, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but in a super simple one-pot skillet meal. This recipe packs in tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, delivering mouth-watering goodness with every bite.

What makes this dish a must-try? No fussy rolling or baking! Just chop, sauté, and simmer-dinner is served in under an hour. It's the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights, feeding a hungry family, or meal prepping ahead for the week.

Inspired by my grandma's beloved cabbage rolls but streamlined for busy nights, this skillet sensation always brings back comforting memories. If you crave hearty, affordable, and fuss-free comfort food, you absolutely have to make these Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls!

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls in skillet, close up

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup for busy weeknights-everything cooks in a single skillet.
Classic comfort, modern convenience: All the nostalgic flavors of cabbage rolls with none of the tedious stuffing and rolling.
Super hearty and filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and rice for a complete meal.
Easy to customize: Adjust the protein, spice level, or make it vegetarian-friendly with simple swaps.

Key Ingredients for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Green Cabbage

Cabbage is the heart of this recipe, providing a subtly sweet flavor and satisfying texture. Use a medium-sized head and chop it into bite-sized pieces so it wilts evenly in the pan. Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage can work in a pinch, but green cabbage holds up best during simmering.

Ground Beef

This brings savoriness and classic cabbage roll taste. Go for 85% lean ground beef: it adds enough flavor without being greasy. For a lighter option, substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based "beef" for a vegetarian twist.

Cooked White Rice

Pre-cooked rice keeps the texture just right and soaks up all those delicious tomato juices. Use leftover rice or make it fresh. Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier spin.

Crushed Tomatoes

These deliver that classic, saucy base with tangy brightness. Use good-quality canned crushed tomatoes for speed, or sub with diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce. Tomato sauce or passata will create a smoother consistency.

Onions and Garlic

These aromatics provide a punchy base layer of flavor. Dice the onions finely and mince the garlic to infuse every bite. In a pinch, onion powder or garlic powder can be used, but fresh is always best for maximum taste.

Instructions for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they're soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Season lightly with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor.

Add Cabbage and Spices

Stir in the chopped cabbage. It will look like a lot, but it cooks down quickly. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Toss everything together, letting the cabbage wilt slightly, about 3 minutes.

Simmer with Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar (if using), and water or beef broth. Stir well, cover the pan, and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and all the flavors meld together.

Stir in Rice and Finish

Gently fold in the cooked rice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes, until the rice is heated through and the mixture thickens slightly.

Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, sprinkled with extra fresh parsley. Enjoy the hearty comfort and savor every bite!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. You'll still get a protein-packed, cozy meal but 100% meat-free!

Spice It Up

Craving heat? Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the onions. You can also stir in a bit of harissa or hot sauce to the tomato mixture for extra kick.

Low-Carb Option

Replace the rice with riced cauliflower. Simply stir in about 1 cup in place of cooked rice at the end-you'll barely notice the difference, but the carbs go way down.

Cheesy Baked Version

Transfer everything to a casserole dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or cheddar, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden for a fun, cheesy twist.

Use Different Proteins

Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a new flavor profile. Each brings its own personality to the dish-have fun experimenting!

Serving Suggestions

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls make a hearty meal on their own, but for a complete dinner, pair with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up that savory sauce. A crisp green salad or some roasted carrots on the side add freshness and color. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover unstuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until steaming hot, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish freezes beautifully-transfer cooled servings to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (FAQ)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

A: Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds a slightly nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it's fully cooked before adding to the skillet.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply reheat before serving.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: It is naturally gluten-free as written, provided you double-check your canned tomato products for additives.

Q: What’s the best way to chop the cabbage for this recipe?

A: Remove the core, then chop the leaves into bite-sized (about 1-inch) squares for even, easy cooking.

If you're ready for a cozy, fuss-free dinner classic, Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is your go-to recipe! It's easy, hearty, and loved by all ages. Don't forget to leave a comment or rating if you give it a try-I love hearing how it turns out in your kitchen!