Here’s a comforting, one-pan version of classic cabbage rolls—same flavor, much easier to make.
🥬 Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
🧾 Ingredients
- 500g ground beef (or chicken mince)
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 1–2 tbsp oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the meat
- Heat oil in a large pan
- Add onion + garlic, sauté until soft
- Add ground meat and cook until browned
2. Add cabbage
- Stir in chopped cabbage
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened
3. Add everything else
- Mix in rice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs
- Stir well
4. Simmer or bake
Option A – Stovetop (easier):
- Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes
- Stir occasionally until rice is cooked
Option B – Oven:
- Transfer to baking dish
- Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40–50 minutes
5. Rest & serve
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional)
💡 Tips
- Add a little water if it dries out before rice cooks
- For extra flavor, use a mix of beef + chicken
- You can add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes taste too acidic
😋 What it’s like
- Tastes just like traditional cabbage rolls
- Tangy tomato flavor + tender cabbage
- Hearty, filling, and budget-friendly
If you want, I can show you a low-carb (no rice) version or a spicy desi-style version with stronger masala flavor.
