Description
Unstuffed cabbage is the ultimate comfort meal—hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully simple. This dish captures all the warmth of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling leaves. Tender cabbage simmers in a savory tomato and meat sauce, creating a cozy, homey meal perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. With versatile ingredients and easy prep, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. This recipe is forgiving, adaptable, and tastes even better as leftovers, making it a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Optional: 1 carrot, shredded; 1 bell pepper, chopped; splash of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onions until translucent, add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and sugar. Mix until meat is coated.
- Add shredded cabbage and optional vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Slow simmering ensures tender cabbage without mushiness.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end for a flavor lift.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg