Description
This lazy cabbage rolls recipe offers comforting, homemade flavors baked in a vibrant tomato sauce, providing a deeply satisfying and hearty meal. It’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious dish designed for easy weeknight dinners with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter meal)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for more fiber)
- 1 large yellow onion (about 1.5 cups chopped), finely chopped
- 1 head green cabbage (about 2.5 lbs), shredded
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dried dill (or 3 Tbsp fresh dill)
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Quickly chop the onion and shred the cabbage (if not using pre-shredded). This step takes about 10 minutes.
- Mix The Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, 0.5 cup of the crushed tomatoes, dried dill, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until uniform, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble The Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Create distinct layers by spreading half of the shredded cabbage on the bottom, then evenly spreading the meat mixture over it, and finally topping with the remaining cabbage.
- Add The Sauce: Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes and the vegetable broth over the assembled layers. Gently swirl the dish to help the liquid seep down, ensuring the sauce mostly covers the cabbage to maintain moisture during baking.
- Bake To Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meat is fully cooked. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to slightly brown. If the dish appears dry during baking, add 0.25 cup of extra broth.
Notes
For a healthier dish, opt for lean ground meat, brown rice, and low-sodium tomato products; fresh herbs boost flavor. You can substitute ground chicken/turkey, cauliflower rice, or add shredded carrots. Save time by using pre-shredded cabbage or a food processor for chopping; no need to pre-cook rice or blanch cabbage. Use firm, fresh cabbage and ground meat for the best flavor. This recipe is naturally dairy-free; ensure broth and seasonings are gluten-free for dietary needs. If the dish appears dry during baking, add 0.25 cup of broth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 250 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: lazy cabbage rolls, baked, tomato sauce, hearty, easy, weeknight dinner, ground beef, family-friendly