Stuffed cabbage rolls made easy.
Stuffed cabbage is a delicious traditional dish from eastern Europe. There are lots of ways to make it, but the most familiar way is to mix ground beef with onion, garlic, and cooked rice, wrap this filling in boiled cabbage leaves, cover it with tomato sauce, and bake it in a casserole dish. The juices from the meat ooze out into the rice and blend with the tomato sauce to make a yummy, hearty, savory meal.
Unfortunately, making it this way is a big hassle. You have to cook the cabbage first, and then mix up the filling, and then load it into the cabbage leaves and roll them up and put them in the dish and spoon on the tomato sauce…and then wait 45 minutes for the whole thing to cook.
So I decided it was time to give this complicated dish a makeover. Just like my Easy Crockpot Lasagna Ravioli and my Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites, these One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls have all the flavor of the original recipe, but they’re way easier to make. No need to mess with boiling and stuffing and rolling up a bunch of cabbage leaves…just brown the meat, add the rest of the ingredients, and let it all simmer in one pot until it’s done.
Stuffed cabbage that tastes just like Grandma’s…but without all the work.
One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
(printable recipe at bottom of post)
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb lean ground beef
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 small green cabbage head, chopped (about 4 cups)
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large, deep skillet or dutch oven, brown ground beef, onions and garlic together. Cook until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.
2. Add cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
3. Cover and reduce heat, and simmer until cabbage is tender, about 30 minutes. Enjoy as is, or serve over rice.
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One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1 small green cabbage head chopped (about 4 cups)
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 8oz can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet or dutch oven, brown ground beef, onions and garlic together. Cook until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.
- Add cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat, and simmer until cabbage is tender, about 30 minutes.
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Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Disclaimer
Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
roxane boatman says
Hi Corey. This looks so good, easy, and simple. Thank you for your great recipes. I just have a quick question regarding the amount of broth. I assume it’s about 1/2 c but you may have meant something else?
Corey says
Yes I am so sorry the “cup” got cut off 🙂 It should be 1/2 cup 🙂 I will correct that now.
Theo Crampton says
The recipe calls for tomato sauce but the video says paste, which is it?
Corey says
It is tomato sauce.
Michelle McLaughlin says
Where’s the rice? I ‘ve made cabbage rolls not stuffed for years. My mother took the time to stuff them. I can’t be bothered lol She also added a bit of bacon too. I will try your recipe and will add rice. Thanks.
Jo says
I also put rice in my stuffed cabbage, so I’m wondering how to incorporate it in the unstuffed cabbage. Would you add cooked or uncooked rice and just add extra liquid?
Katie says
I would imagine that you just serve it over rice if that’s what you’d like. That’s what we do. Tastes great!
Vikie says
I just add two cups of cooked white or brown rice after the cabbage is done or 10 mins. Before an dmix thoroughly.
Patti says
I agree Where’s the rice I always put rice in my cabbage rolls,
Beate Grobe says
Or you can cook potatoes as a side dish
Juanita says
Loved this recipe I cut the salt to half a tsp served with half a cup of brown rice per serving. Really tasty.
Jen says
I just made this tonight! It’s so good! Except I had to cook mine closer to 90 min instead of 30 to soften the cabbage. Also, I made rice and then once the cabbage was cooked, I added all the rice to the pot and mixed it all together!
BK says
Love this recipe. I used ground turkey instead. I had tomato paste instead of sauce, so I had to make my own sauce. I think I added a little bit too much of the tomato sauce but I decided to add a little more cabbage. I also added rice!
Miriam says
This turned out so good. I recommend adding can tomato soup to it and mushrooms and either potatoes or pasta. Making it a third time right now it’s so good. Trying it with little onion soup mix.
Kim says
I have come back to this recipe so many times. It is delicious and such a great comfort food meal for the colder days. Love love love! Thank you.
Corey says
So happy you love it Kim!
Judy says
This looks awesome! Question or your thoughts. I have jars of homemade sauerkraut … Could I use that in this soup? Or does it have to be made with fresh cabbage?
Bert pierce says
I would try it, just rinse the sauerkraut first. .
Ricksbarngrill says
Will be making this soon. What is the unit of measure for the broth… 1/2 broth…? I suspect 1/2 cup but just needed to confirm.
Corey says
Yes I am so sorry the “cup” got cut off 🙂 It should be 1/2 cup 🙂 I will correct that now.
Cindy Kinney says
How much beef broth? It just says 1/2 beef broth. Is that supposed to be cup or box?
Corey says
Yes I am so sorry the “cup” got cut off 🙂 It should be 1/2 cup 🙂 I will correct that now.
Ellen says
No rice?
Corey says
Nope. At the end of the post, I suggested that you could serve over rice, but if you are looking for a more low carb meal, just enjoy as is 🙂 I hope that helps Ellen.
kathy says
I just made this for my elderly mom and dad. Not only is this inexpensive but so darn delicious! i made some rice with the left over beef broth and it completed the meal! I will be making this once a week . I give it 5 stars!
Candace says
Become a family favorite at our house. We like things a little on the spicy side so we use fire roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika. I serve it over cauliflower rice to keep the carbs down.
Larry says
Added 2 more cups of beef broth and a cup of uncooked rice and it came out amazing! will be keeping this recipe handy.
Brianne says
Do you think this would freeze well for later? Looking for some make ahead meals for my return to work.
Corey says
Yes! I freeze single portions all the time!
Tammy Fontenot says
I have made this many times. Big hit. I even added a cup of uncooked rice when making it. Love the soup recipe too. Sometimes cross the too. Add the Worchester sauce to the unstuffed cabbage rolls. Like the taste it gives.
Kathy Norris says
Made this in my crockpot amazing
Carol says
Kathy, How long did you cook in crock pot?
Amber says
Not the biggest fan of tomatoes. Replaced one can of diced with more broth. Delicious over rice!!
Corey says
Great idea Amber! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Edie says
I found this recipe today, and have it cooking right now….smells awesome….
Jenny says
Just made this. It is very good and the kids love it too. Very easy to make!!
Alina says
This was so good!! Family loved it thanks for sharing
YAs says
Thank you. If I plan to cook this in a crockpot, how long should I cook it for? High or low?
Barbara says
Since you have an ad for Young Living Essential Oils on your page, I have to assume you use them; why do you not add them to your recipes? I know not everyone coming to your site uses them but those of us who do, would enjoying seeing how to add them.
Thank you for any help,
Barbara
Jim says
Could this be made in a instant pot and if so what would the timings be.
jenny beke says
This was delicious! Have you ever made it with ground turkey? If so, would you still use beef stock or is that weird?
Corey says
I think beef stock would work fine. I have not used ground turkey yet, but I bet it would turn out awesome!
Dawn says
I don’t ever use ground beef…I use ground turkey. I used the beef broth also. It was delicious! Will make again …. Thanks for the recipe!
Iris Corney says
I tried this a few times – and I use ground pork instead of ground beef – and as I an Diabetic – no sugar. I also add crushed chili as I like it with a little ‘kick’.
Mary L says
So delicious!! I used ground turkey and chicken stock because I had no beef. Will definitely be one of my go to meals!!!
Heidi says
I am making this tomorrow. has anyone tried letting macaroni cook in this? I am thinking it can soak up any extra juice and add more bulk so to make more meals out of it
Christine says
Hi! I added some elbow macaroni that I partially cooked, then added in to finish cooking in the sauce to soak up some flavor. Family loved it and also have stirred in cooked rice (once I
used leftover rice ) and it came out great.
Heidi says
I am making this now but with ground pork. Seems more fitting with a cabbage dish. I thought two cans of tomatoes was too much so I just used one but I added more cabbage. I have pasta cooking in additional beef broth for flavor and it smells amazing! Holy cow! I can not cook at all but this was so amazingly easy!
CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ says
A definite go to meal. Loved it delish
Erin says
Do you know what the calorie count is per a serving?
Vonneigh says
Do I drain the dice tomatoes? I’m making this for dinner tomorrow. My family lives your recipes. I made the cheesy ham and potato casserole today! They LOVED it.
Corey says
No, do not drain tomatoes.
Angela says
My mom is Eastern European, so I grew up enjoying ‘authentic’ stuffed cabbage (Golabki) probably once a month. I made this (easy) recipe, and it lacked a LOT of flavor. Also, where is the rice, which is always mixed in with the meat filling? I’d rather take the extra time to make Stuffed Cabbage the ‘original way’, instead of taking this short-cut. Sorry, but it was not at all what I expected.
Donna says
Can you leave out the sugar?
Ellen says
Yes! I’ve been making this for years and have never used sugar…or broth for that matter. I don’t think it needs it.
Tracey says
This is a great, simple one pot meal!! I use ground turkey (93% lean) and sub one of the cans of tomatoes for a can of fire roasted tomatoes for a little extra flavor! Kick things up a little with a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, yummy!!!
Sandy says
Oooohh, love your idea of using fire roasted tomatoes. Thanks for sharing!
Mary Marshall says
Can you use diced tomatoes with garlic oregano and basil flavoring
Janet says
I suggest using 1/2 ground beef and 1/2 jimmy dean sausage
Also would add worcestershire sauce
My family wouldn’t like the brown sugar added, so will leave that out
Will definitely serve this over rice or brown rice…..
Like that you used paprika
Thank you for this recipe!!!
Sbakes says
Maybe you should start your own blog since you haven’t even made the recipe and you’re telling the recipe/blog owner what they should and shouldn’t add.
Diana says
Hi Corey,
The recipe says tomato sauce yet the video says tomato paste? Can you please clarify?
Corey says
It is tomato sauce Diana.
Barbara says
Just wondering if you have the nutritional content for this dish?!
I already made it and I love it!!!
Kathy Sikkenga says
I would like to know carb, protein and calorie count. Has anyone figured it out?
Corey says
I like to use the free My Fitness Pal site. You can enter in all the ingredients you use, and it will show you all the nutritional value. I hope that helps 🙂
Erik Estrada says
What is the serving size?
Nancy says
How many carbs are in a serving? How much is a serving?
Carie S. says
We served with jalapeño cornbread sticks. Yum!!
Ginnie says
Soooo good! Can you please tell me what the calorie count is?
Sharon Hutchinson says
Found this recipe recently, made it and me and my husband were blown away! Thing is, it tasted even better with next day’s leftovers. Next time I will make it ahead of time and let it sit overnight in the fridge. The flavors blend even better (as if that’s possible). Seriously one of my fav all time recipes.
Michele says
Anyone have the nutritional value for this….??Would love to find out how many carbs per serving..
Dena Martin says
I just posted the nutritional analysis.
Alisha says
LOVE LOVE LOVE! I used hot Hungarian paprika to give it a kick. So good that I am making this for our next football party! Thank you Thank you!
jessica says
Craving my grandma’s stuffed cabbage I found this recipe and had to try it. Very good ?? I think my grandma would like the easier recipe.
Brandy says
Great recipe! Although I used a cup and half of beef broth to bring a longer boilI will be making this again!
Marian says
Can you please tell me if on a diet would this be something good to eat. Trying to stay low carbs. I would use the ground turkey.
Dena Martin says
I was curious about the nutritional content as well. I found a nutrition calculator online and here are the results if you use 6 servings as the guide –
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 221
Total Fat 5.4g 7%
Saturated Fat 1.9g 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 68mg 25%
Sodium 1132mg 49%
Potassium 1017mg 22%
Total Carb 17.6g 6%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g 20%
Sugars 11.1g
Protein 26.9g
Vitamin A 53% · Vitamin C 111%
Calcium 6% · Iron 88%
https://www.verywell.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer
Dawn says
Thank you for posting this!
Shelal says
Why in the world would you add brown sugar?? I don’t use it in traditional cabbage rolls….
sandy says
ok, so I made this yesterday, and yes I definitely double checked the ingredients, however I found it way too soupy and a little hot for my taste, but hubby liked it. so the next time I make it, I will also make rice and leave out some of the paparika, , and just add one can of diced tomatoes
thank you
Ellen says
I make it without the broth and sugar. Turns out fine.
Mary says
I just found your recipe for unstuffed cabbage. I can’t wait to try it. I do have one question. I do not keep brown sugar in the house. It is a necessary ingredient for the dish? If it is necessary, but can be substituted?
Corey says
I have only made the dish as written Mary, so I cannot say for sure. You might try just added in some white sugar, or just leaving that out of the recipe.
heidi says
I use brown sugar substitute for baking. still yummy
Candice says
Hey! This looks awesome and I’m going to try it in the crock pot! Any suggestions? I already cooked the meat so I’ll add that last as well as a cup of uncooked rice in the beginning!
mmmfirth says
Ate this tonight with my hubby! We LOVED it! Thanks for the receipe
Tanya K says
Want to give this a try. How long do you reckon it would take in an Instapot? Ta.
heidi says
I made it for the third time. this time I used25oz of beef broth and added rice and made it as a soup and it was even better this way
Jennifer Neustaedter says
Did you add cooked rice at the end or?
Thank you!
Jennifer
Jacqueline says
Delicious, thank you!
I did make a few changes I substituted the brown surgery for honey&maple syrup and used turkey burger instead. I added some cooked quinoa at the end and finished it off with a little sour cream. Two thumbs up in our household!
Jennifer says
Delicious!!! Even my husband and kids loved it! Very easy to make!!
kev says
Hello, can this be canned?
Corey says
I have never done that before Kev. Sorry that I’m not much help
Michael Fair says
The video shows you use tomato paste. But ingredients list said tomato sauce which is it?
Corey says
I used tomato sauce.
Christina says
This was pretty bland; made it exactly as indicated. Definitely needs something! Like how quick it is but wouldn’t make it again.