Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe that combines tender green cabbage, savory ground beef, cooked brown rice, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This oven-baked dish delivers all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling, making it perfect for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium head Green Cabbage (about 2 lbs)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Meat and Grains
- 1 lb lean Ground Beef
- 1 cup Cooked Brown Rice
Tomato and Sauces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (seasoned)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Seasonings
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the leaves in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes until they become slightly tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and lean ground beef to the skillet, cooking and breaking it apart until browned thoroughly, approximately 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, seasoned diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer some of the blanched cabbage leaves to cover the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer. Cover this with more cabbage leaves and then the remaining beef mixture. Finish with a top layer of cabbage leaves.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the remaining diced tomatoes over the top of the assembled layers. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage softens it and makes it easier to eat while maintaining structure during baking.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while keeping the dish hearty.
- Cook the brown rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save preparation time.
- Season the diced tomatoes if you prefer a less tangy flavor; adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
