Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – You’ll never miss the extra carbs in this easy and satisfying one-pot dinner… cabbage rolls without all the work! This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of healthy cabbage rolls without all of the work!

We’ve all secretly wished for a simpler version of our favorite stuffed cabbage rolls. They take so long to get on the table. It takes the joy out of the meal.

So, I knew I had to deconstruct these cabbage rolls and come up with something that was simple, delicious, and still had all the warm flavors.

These unstuffed cabbage rolls are a super quick and easy weeknight meal with all the lovely flavors from the original. Plus, it still has that comfort food factor to make everyone happy. If you’re looking for a low-calorie dinner option, this is it.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What’s to Love About Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Who doesn’t fancy a healthy meal that also tastes delish? And if it gets ready in only a few minutes, that too, with only the most basic pantry ingredients, you have a keeper. Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls fit the description pretty well. No filling, rolling, or baking is required. You only need a skillet and all the ingredients. Bada-bing bada-boom!

What Can I Serve Along with Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

These cabbage rolls are hearty. You’re getting all your proteins and veggies in a dish. So, they suffice on their own. But if you want to pair them with something, a dollop of sour cream does magic. The tangy cream balances the flavors perfectly. But if you’re not a fan of that, add some vegan cheese or serve them with garlic bread and a side salad.

I’ve also tried creamy mashed potatoes, and they stole the show.

Cabbage Rolls Unstuffed Variations

If you want to change things up a bit, feel free. You can add some spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for a bit of heat. Any kind of ground meat will work too. You can even make it vegan (or vegetarian) by using crumbled tofu or lentils.

You can play around with pretty much anything and make this dish however you like.

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Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Lean ground beef
• Onion
• Minced garlic
• Cabbage
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1. Heat a large and deep-sided skillet or pot over medium-high heat on the stove.

Step 2. Add the olive oil, ground beef, and onions to the skillet, and saute until the beef is completely browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3. Place the minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cabbage, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste in the skillet, and stir to combine.

a. Minced garlic

b. Cabbage

c. Italian seasoning

d. Tomato sauce

e. Diced tomatoes

Step 4. Reduce the heat to simmer, and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until the cabbage has softened.

Step 5. Serve with freshly chopped parsley for garnish if desired.

Enjoy!

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Cut your cabbage and onion a day or two in advance. You can keep them in the fridge. Use an airtight box. If you like, you can also mix the seasonings and tomato sauce and refrigerate it. Even the cooked beef can be refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

How to Store the Leftovers?

If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to four days in your fridge. You can also freeze them, and they will stay good for up to three months. Just defrost properly and heat before eating.

Don’t reheat in your microwave. It’ll turn the cabbage mushy. Use a skillet to reheat instead.

How to Use Leftovers?

Leftover cabbage rolls make a great addition to soups. I even add them to tacos for a quick, nutritious lunch. Simply reheat the leftovers in the skillet and present them with your fav toppings.

If you’ve got a whole lot of leftovers, make stir-fry. You’ll need a protein of your choice and some extra veggies if you like.