Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage 🥬🌶️

Craving comfort food with a kick? This Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage recipe delivers all the rich flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but makes the process much simpler. Packed with ground meat, bold spices, and tender cabbage, it's easy to whip up a batch for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs for a burst of freshness! 😍

Ingredients

For the filling

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 head of green cabbage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

🔥 Brown your meat on high heat to develop flavor. If using turkey, add a bit more oil, as it’s leaner.

4. Season the meat mixture with paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), rinsed rice, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the chopped cabbage on top, cover, and let it cook for about 30-35 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is wilted.

🥄 Check the rice for doneness. If it’s still firm, add a splash more broth or water and cook for a few more minutes.

7. Once cooked, adjust seasoning if necessary and remove from heat.
8. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with fresh parsley and additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables (like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers) and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy Sausage: Swap the ground beef for spicy sausage for an extra flavor boost.
• Cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) right before serving for a creamy addition.
• Cabbage Alternative: Use collard greens or Swiss chard if you prefer. Both will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish! 🌱

This Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage is a one-pot wonder that’s sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy! 🍽️