unstuffed cabbage rolls

(4 ratings)
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Deb Wilson
New Glasgow, NS

I got this recipe from a community cookbook years ago - they were trying to raise money to get their community center some new flooring. It was called unstuffed cabbage rolls in the book but we just call it "Cabbage Roll Casserole". Not exactly as good as real cabbage rolls, but it's a really close second if you haven't the time or inclination to fuss with cabbage rolls.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

We loved this casserole recipe. It is just like a deconstructed cabbage roll. All the great flavor without the work. Fresh onion and garlic add a lot of flavor to this dish but are not overpowering. It's made with very simple ingredients and will appeal to a variety of tastebuds. When testing, we went with the slow cooker method and loved the results. This would be just as tasty out of the oven. Definitely comfort food for the cooler months.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(4 ratings)
yield 8 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 3 Hr
method Bake

Ingredients For unstuffed cabbage rolls

  • 1 Tbsp
    oil (if using chicken or pork)
  • 1 1/2 lb
    lean ground beef, chicken, or pork
  • 1 lg
    onion, diced
  • 1/2 c
    quick cooking rice
  • 1 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1 can
    diced tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 1 can
    plain tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 1 tsp
    each salt and pepper
  • 1 sm
    cabbage, chopped
  • 3/4 c
    water

How To Make unstuffed cabbage rolls

  • Ground meat and onion cooking in a skillet.
    1
    Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat, if using. Add the ground meat and onion and cook, stirring, until the meat is almost fully cooked and the onion is tender.
  • Rice and garlic added to the skillet.
    2
    Add the rice and garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
  • Tomatoes, tomato sauce, pepper, and salt added to the skillet.
    3
    Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
  • Adding chopped cabbage.
    4
    Add the chopped cabbage.
  • Pouring water into the skillet.
    5
    Add the water, stir, and bring to a boil.
  • Ingredients transferred to a slow cooker.
    6
    Cover and place in the oven for 2 - 3 hours. You could also transfer the mixture into a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  • A bowl of Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with crusty bread.
    7
    Good with crusty rolls.
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