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Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Notes

  • 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.