Name: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, chopped (1 cup); 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp); 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp marjoram; 1 Tbsp brown sugar; 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/2 medium head cabbage, chopped (5 cups); 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley; 1 1/4 cups brown rice or white rice, cooked according to package instructions

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 9 reviews

If you love all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but aren’t in the mood for all the fuss of rolling them up, you’ve got to try this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s everything you adore about traditional cabbage rolls—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce—combined in one easy skillet dish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade comfort food without the hassle. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll probably become your go-to cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplified Comfort Food: All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without any of the rolling or fuss.
Perfect One-Pot Meal: Uses just one skillet and comes together in under 40 minutes—a lifesaver on busy nights.
Customizable and Flexible: Easy to tweak spices and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or diet.
Great for Leftovers: Holds up well when reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef, cabbage roll skillet, easy stuffed cabbage recipe, one-pan comfort food, savory ground beef cabbage dish - A black pan is filled with a cooked mix of browned ground meat, light green and white cabbage pieces, and small chunks of red tomato, all stirred together with visible fresh chopped green herbs sprinkled on top and mixed throughout. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with a bowl of white rice nearby on the right side and a bunch of fresh green parsley on the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe balances hearty and fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s the aromatic herbs or the tender cabbage that soaks up all those yummy flavors.

Olive oil: Adds a mild richness and helps cook the aromatics without burning.
Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and depth when sautéed—don’t skip it!
Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts flavor instantly; I like to mince it finely so it blends perfectly.
Ground beef: Choose lean for less grease but still plenty of meaty flavor.
Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: Together they form the tangy, savory sauce base.
Chicken broth: Helps keep everything moist and adds subtle savory tones without heaviness.
Spices: paprika, thyme, marjoram: These herbs give that classic cabbage roll aroma and slight warmth.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.
Red wine vinegar: Adds brightness to lift the whole dish.
Cabbage: The star veggie! It softens perfectly while still holding shape, soaking up sauce.
Fresh parsley: Freshness at the end is everything—I always toss on extra before serving.
Brown or white rice: The perfect bed for soaking up all that rich sauce.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe invites tweaks and personalization—you can easily switch up the herbs, add a little heat, or play with meat choices. I always love hearing how friends put their own spin on it!

Make it spicier: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It gives a nice kick without taking away from the savory tomato flavor.
Meat swaps: Ground turkey or pork works great if you want a lighter or different twist.
Rice alternatives: For a lower-carb meal, try cauliflower rice or quinoa in place of white or brown rice.
Herb adjustments: If you can’t find marjoram, oregano or basil makes a fine substitute.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics just right

I start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it softens and smells sweet. Then I add the minced garlic and sauté just for about 10 seconds—too long and it can get bitter, so watch carefully! I like to push these aromatics to one side of the pan before adding the beef.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef perfectly

Next, crumble in the ground beef and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Here’s a little trick: let it brown undisturbed on the bottom for about 3 minutes before you start breaking it up and stirring. This gives you those nice browned bits that add extra savory depth. Continue cooking and breaking it up for about 4 more minutes until cooked through, then drain off the excess fat to keep the sauce from getting greasy.

Step 3: Build your sauce and simmer

Return the pan to the heat and add your diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, marjoram, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This mix creates that signature tangy-sweet sauce that makes this dish so comforting.

Step 4: Add cabbage and finish cooking

Now toss in your chopped cabbage. It might look like a lot at first, but it cooks way down. Season again with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently, tossing occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the cabbage softens but still has a slight bite.

Step 5: Serve over rice and garnish

Serve this hearty, saucy mixture over a bed of cooked white or brown rice. I like to sprinkle on fresh minced parsley for brightness and sometimes a dash of cayenne pepper if I’m feeling spicy. It’s such a cozy, satisfying meal that pleases the whole family.

Pro Tips for Making Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe

Don’t skip browning the meat: Those caramelized bits really boost flavor, so give the beef time to brown without stirring too soon.
Watch the garlic closely: It cooks super fast and burns easily; just 10 seconds after the onions are softened is perfect.
Use fresh herbs at the end: Adding fresh parsley right before serving brightens up the dish so it never feels heavy.
Don’t overcook the cabbage: Keep an eye on it during the simmer; you want tender cabbage that still has a little texture, not mushy.

How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I always go with fresh minced parsley because it adds a pop of color and a hit of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I dust a pinch of cayenne or sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top when I want some extra warmth. A dollop of sour cream on the side is also a classic touch that works wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a light cucumber salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep things fresh. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans are great for round out the meal, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I like to serve this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or deep ramekins, garnished with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. It makes for a beautiful rustic presentation that feels both special and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days—just give it a good stir before reheating. I usually separate the rice from the beef and cabbage mixture when storing to keep textures fresher, but it’s totally up to you.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion out the beef and cabbage mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping rice separate for best results. When frozen, it stays good for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking and busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps keep the cabbage tender and juicy. Serve fresh rice alongside for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted if you prefer a lighter or different flavor. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, and leanness will affect moisture, so adjust broth or sauce if necessary.
Is it okay to use frozen cabbage for this recipe?

While fresh cabbage is ideal for texture, you can use frozen cabbage in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before adding because it releases more water, which might make the sauce thinner. You might want to simmer uncovered a little longer to thicken up.
What kind of rice works best with this dish?

Both brown and white rice are great choices—brown adds nuttier flavor and more fiber, while white rice is quicker to cook and softer. I often use leftover rice or quick-cooking minute rice to save time on busy nights.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The spices and tomato base are very adaptable, so you’ll still get loads of flavor.
How do I prevent the cabbage from getting mushy?

Keep the simmer gentle and taste test after about 12 minutes. You want the cabbage tender but still with a little bite. Overcooking can make it limp and mushy, which loses that delightful texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s cozy, quick, and full of flavor, but without the stress of rolling every leaf. I hope you find it as satisfying and approachable as I do. If you’re looking for comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, give it a try — your kitchen (and belly) will thank you!