Do Share Recipe

Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy & Hearty Dinner

I recently made my very favorite unstuffed cabbage rolls, and I have to tell you—it was such a comforting weeknight win. I loved how easy it was: no labor-intensive rolling, just hearty flavors in one pot. After trying a few different versions, this one felt just right—rich, soothing, and full of cabbage goodness.

I couldn’t wait to share how I made it, because once you try it, you’ll probably want to make it again next week. Trust me, this has become one of my go-to cozy dinners. You can also enjoy similar comforting one-pot meals like Taco Lasagna Recipe or a hearty Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:

2 pounds ground beef — 80% lean gives the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
1 large onion, chopped — brings natural sweetness and depth.
1 small head of green cabbage, chopped — fresh cabbage works best; frozen becomes too soft.
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes — adds acidity, moisture, and that classic cabbage-roll flavor.
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce — creates a rich, cohesive base for the dish.
½ cup water — helps everything simmer without becoming overly thick.
2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives a brighter, fuller flavor.
2 teaspoons salt — adjust to taste; cabbage absorbs seasoning quickly.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper — adds mild heat and balance.

Note: This recipe makes several servings — approximately 6 hearty servings.

Variations

Here are some creative and helpful variations you can try:

Dairy-free: No adjustments needed — the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Lower-fat option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
Low-carb / keto: Skip any rice additions and replace water with broth for richer flavor.
Flavor-enhancing add-ins: A splash of Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of sugar and vinegar can add depth.
Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or crumbled tofu.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or Dutch oven — for browning the meat and simmering everything in one pot.
Chef’s knife — to chop onions and cabbage neatly and safely.
Wooden spoon or spatula — perfect for stirring and breaking up the meat.
Measuring cups and spoons — to keep seasonings and liquids accurate.
Lid for your pot — helps the cabbage steam and soften properly.

How to Make Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your onion and cabbage into even pieces, then mince your garlic. Having ingredients prepped makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. I like to keep everything nearby, ready to go. If you enjoy easy layered casseroles, you might also like trying a Taco Lasagna Recipe while prepping for weeknight dinners.

Brown the Meat

Heat your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat browns and the onions soften. If there’s extra grease, drain it to keep the dish balanced and not overly oily.

Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic, chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, water, salt, and pepper. Mix well so all the flavors combine and the cabbage begins to soften slightly as the heat rises.

Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors will blend into a delicious, comforting dish.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips from my own experience making this recipe:

I always add extra garlic because it makes the whole dish more aromatic and flavorful.
I taste the mixture early so I can adjust salt and seasonings before simmering
Adding a little Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika gives the dish a deeper, richer flavor.
If the sauce feels too thick while simmering, I add a small splash of water or broth.
Letting the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving helps the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

I like serving these unstuffed cabbage rolls in wide, shallow bowls so the cabbage and sauce spread nicely. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. You can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread on the side. For a creamy finish, try a little sour cream on top.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~446
Protein: ~29 g
Carbohydrates: ~14 g
Fat: ~31 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove with a splash of water if needed.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Pack into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It reheats without losing texture.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a little liquid if the sauce has thickened.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite:

Effortless to make — no cabbage rolling required; everything cooks in one pot.
Hearty and comforting — gives all the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls.
Very customizable — easy to adapt for low-carb, leaner, or vegetarian diets.
Perfect for meal prep — reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Family-friendly flavors — simple, satisfying ingredients everyone enjoys.

Ben Carraoli