One-Pot Cabbage Roll Magic: A Hearty Recipe Everyone Loves

Sink your teeth into a hearty one pot cabbage roll delight that promises comfort in every single bite.

This classic dish brings together tender cabbage leaves, perfectly seasoned ground meat, and a rich, savory sauce.

Generations have treasured this recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor profile.

The magic happens when ingredients meld together in a single pot, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful carries the depth of traditional cooking techniques passed down through time.

Herbs and spices dance together, infusing the cabbage rolls with an irresistible aroma that will draw everyone to the table.

Get ready to savor a meal that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

How to Make a One Pot Cabbage Roll Dish

• Beef and Cabbage Foundation

Create a savory base by browning ground beef with aromatic garlic and warm spices in a spacious skillet, ensuring the meat crumbles beautifully and develops rich flavors.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in vibrant diced tomatoes and hearty beef broth, then sprinkle rice and additional seasonings to create a delicious one-pot wonder that promises comfort and satisfaction.

• Cabbage Embrace

Gently fold tender cabbage into the simmering mixture, allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the delectable meaty essence while rice becomes perfectly tender.

• Slow Simmer Transformation

Cover the skillet and let the ingredients meld together slowly, creating a harmonious dish where each component becomes infused with deep, rich flavors.

• Delightful Serving

Plate the steaming mixture, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to add a luxurious finishing touch that elevates this rustic, satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for One Pot Cabbage Rolls

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
• Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to boost nutritional value and add interesting texture to your one-pot meal.
• Enhance flavor by adding red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their cabbage roll dish.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the nutrient profile and add more depth to the recipe's overall flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese toppings such as sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, or a blend of Mexican cheese to create unique flavor combinations that complement the cabbage and beef mixture.

Serving Cabbage Rolls the Simple Way

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful texture contrast to the one-pot meal.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives to bring a burst of freshness and bright color to the hearty dish.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cabbage roll skillet.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Offer additional grated parmesan or sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Store Your Cabbage Rolls for Later Meals

• Strategize Meal Prep: Batch cook this one-pot wonder to simplify weeknight dinners. Prepare double the recipe and divide into meal-sized containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cabbage roll delight in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together, making your next meal even more tasty.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This hearty meal can be frozen for up to 3 months, providing a convenient emergency dinner option when time is tight.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out, ensuring a fresh-tasting meal every time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in That One Pot Cabbage Roll

• Lean Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich meaty taste, choose freshly ground beef with minimal fat for healthier option.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and boosts overall flavor profile, select firm, plump garlic cloves without sprouts.

• Italian Seasoning: Delivers classic Mediterranean herb blend, look for fresh, fragrant mix without clumping.
• Garlic Powder: Intensifies garlic essence, ensuring consistent flavor throughout dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates juicy foundation and adds tangy brightness, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes with no added preservatives.
• Beef Broth: Enriches moisture and deepens savory undertones, choose low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Rice: Provides comforting, filling base that absorbs surrounding flavors, select long-grain white rice for ideal texture.
• Chopped Cabbage: Introduces tender vegetable element and nutritional boost, pick crisp, fresh cabbage with vibrant green color.
• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth initial cooking process and adds subtle fruity note.
• Grated Parmesan (Optional): Offers creamy, salty garnish that complements dish's richness.

Tools for Easy Cabbage Roll Prep

• Large skillet with lid: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up beef and stirring mixture evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings like Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
• Measuring cup: Useful for precise liquid measurements of beef broth and diced tomatoes.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping cabbage and mincing garlic with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Grater: Optional tool for creating fresh parmesan cheese topping.

Hearty One Pot Cabbage Roll Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty cabbage roll delight from Eastern European kitchens combines ground beef, rice, and tangy tomato sauce in a single comforting dish. Simmering flavors meld together, creating a meal you’ll savor with warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 15 oz (425 g) diced tomatoes
• 15 oz (425 g) beef broth or beef stock
• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked valencia rice
• 1 head cabbage, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Searing Protein: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, then introduce ground beef with garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, crumbling and browning meat until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Liquid Integration: Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, remaining seasonings, and spices, stirring to create a harmonious mixture and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
3. Cabbage Incorporation: Gently fold freshly chopped cabbage into the beef and rice blend, allowing it to nestle within the mixture, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Simmering and Melding: Let the dish simmer quietly for 18-22 minutes, allowing rice to become tender and cabbage to soften and wilt completely, periodically checking liquid absorption and overall consistency.
5. Resting and Serving: Remove from heat and let the one-pot wonder rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop, then serve immediately, optionally crowning with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of culinary sophistication.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown ground beef completely to eliminate any pink areas, ensuring food safety and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Rice Absorption Technique: Uncooked rice needs precise liquid ratio and cooking time to prevent mushiness or undercooked grains.
• Cabbage Texture Control: Fold cabbage gently to maintain slight crispness and prevent turning into mushy consistency during simmering.
• Flavor Enhancing Hack: Allow dish to rest after cooking, enabling seasonings to fully integrate and create deeper, more complex taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg