I’m not sure if you’re like me, but some days, I crave the taste of home-cooked comfort without the hours spent in the kitchen. You know, the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Well, these Lazy Cabbage Rolls Casserole might just be the culinary hug you didn’t know you needed. Imagine all the hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls packed into a fuss-free casserole—it’s like your grandmother’s recipe got a modern twist, and somehow the flavors became even more nostalgic.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients: ground beef, onion, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and crumbles, taking about 5 to 7 minutes. Afterwards, drain and discard any excess grease.
- Add the chopped cabbage, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the Dutch oven, lower the heat, and let it simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
- Serve the unstuffed cabbage roll hot and enjoy your meal. If desired, pair with rice or cornbread for a heartier dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 small head of cabbage, roughly chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce
- ½ cup of water (or substitute with beef broth for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 2388 | Total Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 54g | Cholesterol: 558mg | Sodium: 7764mg | Total Carbohydrate: 96g | Dietary Fiber: 30g | Total Sugars: 60g | Protein: 174g | Vitamin C: 354mg | Calcium: 714mg | Iron: 42mg | Potassium: 5112mg
FAQ
- What exactly is an unstuffed cabbage roll?
- An unstuffed cabbage roll is essentially a simplified version of the traditional cabbage roll casserole. It includes all the classic ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, but they are cooked together without the need for rolling the cabbage.
- Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a different type of meat.
- Is it possible to freeze leftover unstuffed cabbage roll?
- Absolutely, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.
- How should I store leftovers of the unstuffed cabbage roll?
- Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can reheat the dish in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven.
- Are there any optional ingredients that can be added to this recipe?
- While the dish is delicious on its own, you can serve it over white or brown rice to make it more filling. Additionally, some people like to add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider replacing the water with beef broth. This adds depth to the dish without requiring additional ingredients.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This can also reduce the overall fat content of the meal.
- To enhance the taste with a bit of spice, try adding some red pepper flakes during cooking. This can give the dish a subtle kick without overwhelming the traditional flavors.
- Leftovers can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled dish in a shallow container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Skillet – If you don’t already have one, a heavy-duty Dutch oven or a large, high-quality skillet is essential for cooking the beef and simmering the entire dish.
- Airtight Storage Containers – Useful for storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Look for freezer-safe options if you plan to freeze the dish.
- Freezer-Safe Storage Containers – If you plan to freeze portions of the dish, having dedicated freezer-safe containers can be beneficial.
