These unstuffed cabbage rolls are my lazy man version of traditional Ukrainian cabbage rolls. Everything is cooked in one pot and is healthier than the authentic version.
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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
These Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty, comforting twist on traditional cabbage rolls-no rolling required!
Inspired by the classic Ukrainian dish "golubtsi," this simplified version, known as "lenivie golubtsi," is packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
It's everything you love about cabbage rolls but made easier (I like to call it a lazy cabbage rolls version) for busy weeknights.
Just simmer all the ingredients together for a flavorful, satisfying meal your family will love.
If you're new here, check out more about The Yummy Bowl to discover how I can help you feel confident in the kitchen while creating easy, wholesome meals from scratch.
Ingredients
- Cabbage - any cabbage will work here, savoy cabbage (sweetest leaves), napa cabbage, and red cabbage as well. But the best cabbage in my opinion for unstuffed or stuffed cabbage rolls is young green cabbage. This cabbage is also great for making a rich and fulfilling unstuffed cabbage roll soup.
- Ground beef - use lean ground meat whenever possible so you don't end up with lots of meat fat in the pot. For a leaner version, lean ground turkey is a perfect choice just like in this Cabbage Roll Soup.
- Maple syrup - We also love using brown or coconut sugar when making these unstuffed cabbage rolls.
- Garlic and onion - without these aromatics, these unstuffed cabbage rolls would not be what they are called. In Ukrainian cuisine, garlic, onion, and cabbage are the main ingredients in ALL the dishes.
- To increase your veggie intake, we also like to add some grated carrots once in a while to have a variety of cabbage roll flavors.
- Tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes - different brands vary in taste and texture. I recommend using trusted Italian brands whenever possible. Simply because of the rich flavor.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep. Heat up a large pot or dutch oven with some cooking oil (I like to use avocado oil spray) and one hot add in the onions.
- Saute onions until softened. Add the ground beef and brown the meat crumbling it into small pieces until thoroughly cooked.
- Add seasonings: garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper, and bay leaves and stir.
- Add the rest. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the cabbage, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer with a closed lid for 15-20 minutes. Cabbage should be soft, and tender but still a little crispy.
- Stir in the cooked brown fluffy rice and stir to combine, and let heat through simmering for 3 minutes. You can also use regular white rice for a quicker recipe, although brown rice is slightly healthier. In terms of flavor, there's no big difference.
- Remove from the heat. Discard the bay leaves. Serve with freshly chopped parsley and sour cream. Don't overcook the cabbage. Although many versions recommend differently, I still stand strong on the belief that cabbage should be tender yet still crisp by the end of cooking. I don't like my cabbage being mushy.
- We like to serve it with plenty of sour creams, fresh dill or parsley, and black ground pepper.
You can also make it with turkey and turn it into a cabbage roll soup.
🥢 Make Next: Asian Cabbage Stir Fry
Tips
- Lean meat - opt for a low-fat and leaner version as it will cook better and you won't end up with lots of extra fat and liquid in the pot.
- Let it simmer enough for the flavors to blend nicely and cabbage soaks up all the sauce mixture.
- Don't skip the sweetener here because whenever you use a tomato product, for the best flavor I recommend adding any kind of sweetener to offset the acidity that comes from tomatoes. You'll not feel the flavor of sweetener but it will balance the dish instead.
- Note on cheese. While traditionally not served with cheese, there's no reason you can't add it for a delicious, melty topping that elevates the dish and is kid-approved. Sprinkle grated cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra meltiness, or serve in individual bowls.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- Store unstuffed cabbage rolls leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to cool first.
- To freeze, the same steps and for 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw first if frozen and reheat in a pot over the stovetop. You may need to add some extra water or stock/broth to thin it out. I don't recommend reheating this in the microwave as the cabbage will or may become too soggy.
More Make-Ahead Ground Beef Dinners
Before You Head Out
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Recipe Card
One Pot Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large pot or dutch oven with some cooking oil (i like to use avocado oil spray) and one hot add in the onions. Cook until onions have softened.
- Add the ground beef and brown the meat crumbling it into small pieces until thoroughly cooked.
- Add garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper, and bay leaves and stir.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the cabbage, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Cabbage should be soft, and tender but still a little crispy.
- Stir in the cooked brown rice, stir to combine, and let heat through simmering for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat. Discard the bay leaves.
- Serve with freshly chopped parsley and sour cream.
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Have leftover cabbage? Make this Savory Cabbage Pie for breakfast.
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
FAQs
The unstuffed cabbage rolls are already a meal itself. Some side portion of healthy salad, crusty bread, or a portion of steamed potatoes is our go-to serving options.
Cabbage is a healthy source of fiber, is low fat and with plenty of nutrients for your skin. It's rich in antioxidants (including vitamin C and beta-carotene).
Favorite Cabbage Recipes
Love more cabbage recipes? Check out this extensive roundup collection of the best cabbage recipes or one of these easy recipes below
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From planet earth
where does the beef broth come in?
Julia
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.