Unstuffed Cabbage Roll

This hearty casserole brings together ground beef, cabbage, garlic, and tomatoes in one simple, flavorful dish. Even picky eaters who don’t normally like cabbage will enjoy it. Paired with a side of rice, it makes the perfect cozy weeknight dinner. Best of all, the flavors only get better as it sits — making leftovers a real treat.

What Is an Unstuffed Cabbage Roll?

An unstuffed cabbage roll is essentially a deconstructed version of traditional cabbage rolls. Instead of going through the extra steps of pre-cooking and rolling cabbage leaves, all the ingredients — cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, veggies, seasonings — are cooked together in one pot. It’s faster, easier, and just as delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Beef: Two pounds of ground beef are used for this recipe. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
• Onion: One diced white or yellow onion, cooked with the beef, adds great depth of flavor.
• Cabbage: One head of cabbage, cleaned and roughly chopped.
• Canned Tomatoes: Two cans of diced tomatoes plus one can of tomato sauce bring the classic tangy tomato base.
• Water: Half a cup of water gives the dish the perfect amount of liquid. You can substitute beef broth for extra flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic, salt, and black pepper keep the seasoning simple and satisfying.
• Rice (Optional): Serve it over white or brown rice for a heartier meal.

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll

1. In a large Dutch oven or skillet, cook the ground beef and onion together over medium heat until the beef is browned and crumbly.
2. Drain off the grease.
3. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and seasonings.
4. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook until the cabbage is tender and everything is beautifully combined.

Storing Your Cabbage Roll

• Refrigerating: Allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, store it in a shallow freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove.

This unstuffed cabbage roll is a budget-friendly, quick, and comforting dinner you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights — and the leftovers are even better the next day.