Description
A comforting one-pot version of classic cabbage rolls featuring tender ground beef, rice, and cabbage simmered together in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. This easy, hearty dish brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling and baking, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (about 14 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Stir in paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef mixture, blending the spices well.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Pour in the uncooked white rice, chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Cook until tender: Let the dish simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has softened.
- Final stir and serve: Remove from heat, give a final stir to mix everything evenly, and serve hot. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For added richness, serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork according to preference.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley as garnish for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
