The Best Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food made easy, giving you all the delicious, savory flavors of the traditional dish without any of the fussy work of rolling. This recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner that will become a family favorite!

Hi, everyone! I’ve got to tell you, this recipe has been a complete game-changer in my kitchen. While I adore the classic stuffed cabbage rolls, sometimes a busy weeknight just doesn’t allow for that kind of effort. That’s why I came up with this unstuffed version. It has all the rich, hearty flavor you love—that perfect blend of tangy tomato, savory ground beef, and tender cabbage—but comes together in one dish with hardly any fuss. You’re going to love how simple and delicious this is.

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Key Takeaways

Effortless: This recipe gives you all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, layered casserole form. No stuffing or rolling required!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish, and it’s a great way to get everyone to eat their veggies. For another great ground beef recipe, check out my the best stuffed shells with ground beef.
Full of Flavor: The secret is in the sauce! The combination of tomato, brown sugar, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
Budget-Conscious: Made with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

This dish is pure comfort food, warming you from the inside out on a chilly evening.
The combination of tender cabbage and hearty ground beef is a match made in heaven.
It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal—it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together! This is just like my slow cooker beef stew, which is another great make-ahead option.
With a full half-head of cabbage, it’s packed with wholesome, fiber-rich ingredients that keep you feeling full and satisfied.
This recipe is super versatile; you can easily swap out the meat or adjust the seasonings to your liking.

The Story Behind This Casserole

I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a cold, rainy Tuesday, and I had a head of cabbage and some ground beef to use up. I was craving my Grandma Rose’s famous stuffed cabbage, but I just didn’t have the time to go through all the steps.

I looked at the ingredients on the counter and thought, “What if I just layered everything in a dish and baked it?” The aroma that filled the house while it was baking was incredible.

It brought back so many memories of my grandma’s kitchen, but with the added bonus of being so much easier to pull off. It’s a modern twist on a classic Hungarian cabbage roll recipe that is now a regular in my meal rotation.

Ingredients for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredient	Notes/Substitutes
1 pound ground beef	You can also use a mix of beef and pork, or ground turkey for a leaner option.
2 cups onion	Yellow or white onion works great.
3 cloves garlic	Freshly minced is best!
¾ cup uncooked converted rice	Like Minute Rice. This cooks perfectly in the casserole.
2 ½ cups tomato pasta sauce	Use your favorite kind! For more delicious ground beef meals, try my best ground beef stovetop chili!
3 Tablespoons vinegar	White vinegar works best to add a nice tang.
3 Tablespoons brown sugar	Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce	Adds a deep, savory flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt	Season to your taste.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper	A little goes a long way.
8-9 cups cabbage	About ½ large head of cabbage. Shred it with a knife.

Equipment Needed

Medium skillet
Large measuring cup or medium bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Meat chopper or wooden spoon

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Step-by-Step

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a medium skillet until the beef is browned. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in the rice with the beef mixture and set the skillet aside.
Whisk the pasta sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large measuring cup or medium bowl.
Layer the bottom of your baking dish with ⅓ of the shredded cabbage. Spoon ½ of the beef and rice mixture on top, and then drizzle with ⅓ of the tomato sauce mixture.
Repeat the layering with another ⅓ of the cabbage, the remaining ½ of the rice mixture, and ⅓ of the tomato sauce.
Top with the remaining ⅓ of the cabbage and drizzle the last ⅓ of the tomato sauce on top.
Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, the rice is cooked, and the casserole is bubbling hot.
Serve it hot! Let it rest for a few minutes before gently stirring and serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t skip the layering! It’s a little extra step that makes sure every bite has a mix of all the delicious flavors.
Use converted rice. It’s a game-changer! Converted rice holds its shape better than regular white rice, so it won’t get mushy in the casserole.
The sauce is everything. The ratio of sweet brown sugar to tangy vinegar is what makes this so delicious. Feel free to adjust it to your taste—if you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar!
Check for doneness. The final bake time can vary depending on your oven, so trust your eyes. The rice should be plump and tender, and the cabbage should be soft, not crunchy.
Get creative with toppings! A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley right before serving is just divine. If you love simple weeknight meals, you should also try my easy garlic butter meatballs.

What to Serve With Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up all that delicious sauce.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
A scoop of mashed potatoes.
Cornbread for a hearty Southern twist.

Storing and Reheating Tips

You can store leftover unstuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop a single serving in the microwave or place the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until heated through. It also freezes beautifully! Simply store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving
Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	380
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	7g
Unsaturated Fat	9g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g
Protein	25g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sugar	8g
Sodium	750mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.

FAQs About Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

How do you make a simple cabbage roll casserole?

This recipe is designed to be simple! By combining the ground beef, cabbage, rice, and sauce in one dish and baking it, you get all the classic flavors without the tedious steps of boiling and rolling individual leaves. It’s a true “lazy” person’s meal.

Do you put cheese on cabbage roll casserole?

Traditional cabbage roll casserole recipes don’t typically include cheese, but that doesn’t mean you can’t! Many people love to add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to create a melty, gooey crust.

Do I cook cabbage rolls covered or uncovered?

It’s best to cook unstuffed cabbage rolls covered for the majority of the bake time. This traps the steam, which helps tenderize the cabbage and ensures the rice cooks through evenly. You can uncover it at the very end to let some of the liquid evaporate and get a nice, bubbly top.

Is it better to use fresh or canned cabbage?

Fresh cabbage is definitely the way to go for this casserole. Canned or frozen cabbage can become too soft or watery when baked, which can make the whole dish a bit mushy. Fresh cabbage holds its texture and flavor much better.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe a try. It’s a recipe that has brought so much warmth and happiness to my family’s dinner table over the years, and I’m so excited to share that with you. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to hear how you and your family like it! And don’t forget to check out my other recipes like my creamy shrimp pasta for more delicious dinner inspiration. ❤️

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