Cabbage Roll in a Bowl (Unstuffed Cabbage Roll) – A Cozy, One-Pot Comfort Meal

If you love the comforting taste of classic cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours rolling them, this Cabbage Roll in a Bowl is the perfect solution! This unstuffed cabbage roll recipe delivers all the rich flavors of the traditional dish in a fraction of the time. Packed with juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, aromatic herbs, and a hearty tomato-based sauce, this dish is a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Cabbage rolls have long been a staple in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisines, loved for their savory filling and rich, tangy tomato sauce. But let’s be honest—rolling each cabbage leaf and simmering for hours can be a bit tedious. That’s where this unstuffed cabbage roll recipe comes in! It’s a fuss-free, one-pot version that delivers the same comforting flavors with far less effort. Plus, it’s packed with nutrient-dense cabbage, protein-rich beef, and warming spices, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep, this dish stores well in the fridge and freezer, so you can enjoy a hearty meal anytime!

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Cabbage Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Serving Size: 5-6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 600g (1.3 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tbsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 700g (24 oz) tomato passata
• 400g (14 oz) diced tomato can
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Hungarian paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cups (500ml) beef stock (broth)
• 2 shredded carrots
• 1/4 head cabbage (600g / 1.3 lb), diced bite-sized
• 1 cup cooked rice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, shred the carrots, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil, then the ground beef and salt. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onions, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, and black pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Tomato Base: Pour in the tomato passata, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add Hungarian paprika and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Pour in the beef stock, bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Vegetables and Rice: Stir in the cooked rice, shredded cabbage, and grated carrots. Cover again and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!

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Tips for the Dish

• Make it Low-Carb: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it entirely for a keto-friendly version.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Ingredient Swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.

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Wrap-Up

This Cabbage Roll in a Bowl is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with delicious flavors without the extra effort of rolling cabbage leaves. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how you like it in the comments!

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