Why You’ll Love Stovetop Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This recipe has all the classic cabbage roll flavors in a much easier format.
Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup simple.
It is budget-friendly and made with everyday ingredients.
The combination of beef, cabbage, and rice makes it filling and comforting.
It is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 medium head green cabbage
1 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup white rice
Directions
Chop the cabbage into pieces about 1 inch in size.
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook while crumbling the beef until the meat is mostly browned and only a little pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and 3/4 cup water. Mix until fully combined.
Add the chopped cabbage and stir well. Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Add the rice and 1 cup water. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture back to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Check if the rice is tender. If needed, cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
Add chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the cooking time as needed.
Stir in shredded cheese before serving for a richer dish.
Add garlic for extra savory flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water if needed.
You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, bagged shredded cabbage works well and saves prep time.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice cooks best in this recipe because it becomes tender without turning mushy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors become even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
No, the rice cooks directly in the pot with the other ingredients.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
What can I serve with unstuffed cabbage rolls?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair well with this dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but canned tomatoes provide a richer and more consistent flavor.
Why is my rice still hard?
The rice may need a few extra minutes of cooking time or a little more liquid.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has only mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Stovetop Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and easy one-pot meal packed with hearty ingredients and classic flavors. This simplified version of traditional cabbage rolls is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm, filling, and satisfying without the extra effort.
