Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that brings the warmth of Eastern European cuisine right to your dinner table? Look no further than these mouthwatering Ground Beef Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls! This simplified version of the classic stuffed cabbage rolls delivers all the incredible flavors you love, without the tedious wrapping process. Perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort, this one-pan wonder will become your new family favorite that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and fresh cabbage in a deliciously comforting dish.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 head of chopped cabbage.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cabbage. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully add the chopped cabbage and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until it is slightly tender but still crisp. Drain the cabbage and set aside.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and rice mixture on the bottom. Layer half of the blanched cabbage over the mixture, then add another layer of the beef mixture on top of the cabbage.
- Add the remaining cabbage on top of the beef mixture, followed by the last portion of the beef mixture. Spread it evenly over the cabbage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your Ground Beef Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls!
Tips
- Choose the right ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture.
- Rice matters: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent the mixture from becoming too mushy.
- Drain excess fat: After cooking the beef, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cabbage preparation: Don't overcook the cabbage during blanching - you want it tender but still slightly crisp.
- Layer strategically: Create even layers of beef mixture and cabbage for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Covering while baking: Use aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the top from burning.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors settle and make serving easier.
- Customize your seasoning: Feel free to add additional herbs like fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 196kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
