Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef 🌿🥩

This comforting recipe combines the traditional flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without all the fuss of rolling them up. The result is a hearty, fragrant one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners. Each bite is filled with the savory goodness of ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender cabbage. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream to complete the experience! 🍞🥄

Ingredients

For the unstuffed cabbage rolls

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or beef)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

For the topping

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

• In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

🔥 Make sure to season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper while browning. This helps to develop flavor right from the start!

• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

• Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.

• Next, add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, dried oregano, and cooked rice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

• Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.

🍽️ If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can simmer the mixture longer, up to 30 minutes, adding a little water if it looks too dry.

• Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of sauces that contain animal products. You'll still get all that delicious flavor!
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the dish a kick.
• Cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) during the last few minutes of cooking for a melty, creamy texture.
• Cabbage Alternatives: Try using Savoy cabbage for a slightly sweeter taste, or even use kale for a twist on traditional flavors.

Enjoy this easy and hearty dish that's sure to become a family favorite! 🥰