unrolled cabbage roll recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best unrolled cabbage roll recipe

Unrolled cabbage rolls are a classic dish that Ive always loved. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners at home. The dish originates from Eastern European cuisine, where cabbage is a staple ingredient.

The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious. My kids love it too, and its always a hit with their friends. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck because it serves a good number of people and is easy to make in large batches.

It’s also a healthier option compared to other meat-based dishes, as it includes plenty of vegetables and lean protein. The cabbage is lightly cooked, which helps retain its nutrients, and the dish is baked, reducing the need for added oils. I love that this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different dietary needs.

For example, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients for the kids without compromising on taste. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

I often make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for lunches during the week.

Unrolled Cabbage Roll Recipe

4.7 from 1648 votes

Unrolled cabbage rolls are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic cabbage roll dish. The cabbage is thinly sliced and layered with a flavorful meat and rice filling, then baked with a rich tomato sauce.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage

1 large head of cabbage

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1First, preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the whole cabbage.
3Boil for 5-7 minutes.
4Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool down enough to handle.
5Once cool, remove the core and thinly slice the cabbage into 1/4-inch wide strips.
6In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.
7Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Set aside.
8In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the sauce.
Set aside.
9Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom.
10Layer the cabbage strips on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
11Spread the meat and rice filling evenly over the cabbage.
12Top with the remaining sauce, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
13Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
14After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
15The cabbage should be tender and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
16If the top starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil.
17Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
18This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
19Serve warm and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Baking dish
Oven
Mixing bowl
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adding extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the filling can increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Unrolled cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great recipe to make for family gatherings or potlucks because it serves a good number of people and is easy to make in large batches. Plus, leftovers can be easily reheated and enjoyed throughout the week.

This recipe is also versatile and can be customized to suit different dietary needs. The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful filling, and rich tomato sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prepping and can be enjoyed throughout the week. It’s a great way to ensure that you have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go.

You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Unrolled Cabbage Roll

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

You can use green or savoy cabbage for this recipe. Green cabbage is milder in flavor and has a crisper texture, while savoy cabbage has a more delicate flavor and a softer texture. Both types of cabbage will work well in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the unrolled cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help to bring the dish to a more even temperature and ensure that it cooks evenly.

Can I freeze unrolled cabbage rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unrolled cabbage rolls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

While you can make this recipe in a slow cooker, the texture of the cabbage may be softer and more tender. To make in a slow cooker, layer the cabbage, filling, and sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cabbage should be tender and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and adding more vegetables to the filling. You can use a combination of cooked rice, finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Add a can of drained and rinsed beans for extra protein.

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