Quick and Easy One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls for Busy Nights
One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls takes just under an hour and delivers irresistible comfort food every single time. This is my go-to one pot recipe for busy weeknights—minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and maximum flavor.
I first discovered this shortcut when I craved the rich, satisfying goodness of stuffed cabbage rolls but didn’t have time to fold, roll, and bake. Traditional cabbage rolls can take over an hour of hands-on work. But this version? It’s ready in 50 minutes, and your stovetop does most of the work while you tackle your to-do list. Trust me, once you try this easy unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe, you’ll never go back to the old way.
Why This One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Is a Game-Changer
- Time-saving: Skip the tedious stuffing and rolling process—just toss everything into one pot.
- Minimal cleanup: No extra dishes or baking trays. Everything cooks in a single skillet or Dutch oven.
- Family-approved: Packed with hearty beef, tender cabbage, and a flavorful tomato broth, it’s a surefire dinner win.
- Hands-off cooking: Once you’ve prepped, let it simmer while you relax or prep for the next day.
- Adjustable for diets: This healthy cabbage roll dish can be adapted for keto or low-carb meals by skipping the rice.
Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—you only need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. If you’ve got one with a fitted lid, that’s even better as it will help the cabbage soften while simmering without losing moisture.
- Skillet or Dutch oven: Choose one that’s at least 3.5 quarts to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef as it browns and stirring the pot.
- Sharp knife: For efficiently chopping your cabbage into bite-size pieces.
Tip: If you don’t have a large skillet, split the recipe between two smaller pots and cook side by side.
Simple Ingredients for One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or easy to grab on your next grocery run. This recipe uses pantry-friendly staples and fresh produce for an effortless combination.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein. You can swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Green cabbage: Fresh, chopped cabbage makes the dish. Pre-chopped bagged cabbage works just as well if you’re short on time.
- Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: These canned staples create a rich, tangy base without requiring additional seasoning.
- Paprika & brown sugar: Paprika delivers a smoky depth while brown sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Pro Tip: For an added flavor boost, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 small green cabbage head, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
How to Make One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic, and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- When the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s ready to serve! Dish it up as-is or over cooked rice for an extra hearty meal.
Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Chop cabbage evenly: For quicker cooking, aim for pieces about 1 inch thick.
- Drain grease properly: Skip this, and your dish can turn greasy. Use a spoon or carefully tilt the pan to remove it.
- Serve it your way: Love carbs? Pair with rice. Low-carb? Enjoy as is or serve over mashed cauliflower.
- Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze portions in individual containers for quick lunches later.
- Storage tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Easy One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Variations
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Diversify the protein: Use ground turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- “Clean out the fridge” version: Toss in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even zucchini to use up leftover veggies.
One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls FAQs
Can I make this one pot cabbage rolls dinner ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for long-term storage.
What can I serve with homemade unstuffed cabbage?
It’s delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside a simple green salad.
Can I make this quick unstuffed cabbage rolls in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef, onion, and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
How do I reheat this healthy cabbage roll dish?
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
There you have it—One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls that’ll save you time, clean-up, and stress on busy nights. I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite variations or kitchen shortcuts. Happy cooking!
One Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic, and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- When the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s ready to serve! Dish it up as-is or over cooked rice for an extra hearty meal.
Notes
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
