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–+ servings

Cabbage Rolls with Uncooked Rice Shortcut

Enjoy classic cabbage roll flavors without the fuss! This one-pot unstuffed version simmers beef, rice, cabbage, and tomatoes for a hearty, savory dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Polish-American
Calories: 365
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lbs (454 g) ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (~1 lb / 500 g) head of cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces (4-5 cups / 300-400 g))
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz 227 g) tomato sauce
  • 1½ cups (355 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tsps (4 g) paprika
  • 1 tsp (1 g) ground oregano
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (190 g) uncooked white rice
  • fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked.
  2. Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Stir frequently and cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture.
  4. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender.
  5. Push the cabbage to one side of the pot. Stir in the uncooked rice. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 to 20 more minutes, until the rice is fully cooked. Taste to ensure the rice is tender.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat once the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired. Let the dish stand for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
  7. Top each serving with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 26gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 4.4gSugar: 6.3g

Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
  • Napa or savoy cabbage create a softer, slightly sweeter result.
  • Brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur work in place of white rice, though you’ll need to add more liquid and increase the cooking time.
  • Fresh tomatoes with a spoonful of paste, or marinara sauce, can replace the canned tomatoes and sauce.
  • Smoked paprika, Worcestershire, or fresh dill added at the end will boost flavor.
  • Cool completely before freezing. Store in containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding broth if the rice has absorbed too much liquid.
 
If you’re making this 0ne pot unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.
 
Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.
 
 
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