Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Dinner (Print Version)
Hearty blend of ground beef, cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce cooked together for a comforting meal.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meat and Aromatics
01 -
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
02 -
1 medium onion, finely diced
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Vegetables
04 -
1 medium head cabbage (approx. 2 pounds), chopped into 1-inch pieces
→ Canned Goods and Sauces
05 -
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
06 -
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
07 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
→ Grains and Broth
08 -
1 cup uncooked white rice
09 -
2 cups beef broth
→ Seasonings and Garnish
10 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 -
1 teaspoon paprika
13 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 -
2 bay leaves
15 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
16 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Break the meat into small pieces and drain excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon for flavor.
02 -
Add diced onion to the browned beef and cook until translucent, roughly 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 -
Incorporate chopped cabbage into the meat mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt.
04 -
Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, uncooked rice, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
05 -
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove bay leaves before serving.
06 -
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
For best texture, avoid overcooking cabbage to maintain slight firmness.
02 -
Use regular white rice over instant for better flavor absorption.
03 -
Adjust seasoning after cooking as cabbage water content varies.
04 -
Reheating with a splash of broth preserves moisture and texture.