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Overhead view of unstuffed cabbage rolls with ground beef, rice, and melted mozzarella in a white bowl

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A hearty, one-pan deconstructed cabbage roll recipe made with ground beef, white rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. Ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 507
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce plain canned only, not jarred pasta sauce
  • 1 cup dry white rice long-grain recommended
  • 2 cups beef broth low or no salt
  • 4 cups green cabbage roughly chopped into 2-inch pieces, about 1 small cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese freshly shredded preferred for best melt

Equipment

  • Large saute pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, until the oil starts to shimmer.
  2. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Add diced onion and minced garlic, then cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
  3. Add dried oregano, basil, parsley, black pepper, canned tomato sauce, dry white rice, beef broth, and chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir well to combine, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and bring to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes to prevent sticking. Add 1/4 cup of broth at a time if the pan looks too dry before the rice is done.
  5. Once the rice is fully tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, top evenly with shredded mozzarella. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb for the beef. Brown rice can be used but requires an extra 1/2 cup broth and 40 to 45 minutes of simmer time. Add smoky paprika and cayenne for extra heat. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded. Parmesan or asiago also pair well on top.