Description
A flavorful and easy Mediterranean-style unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe combining ground beef or lamb, cabbage, and rice in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices. This one-pot stovetop meal is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner and makes delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
Tomato and Rice Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics and cabbage: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned meat and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt.
- Add tomatoes, rice, and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked white rice, dried oregano, ground cumin, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable or beef broth and mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems too dry.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or mint before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- This dish tastes even better the next day, making it excellent for leftovers.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of hummus for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a more traditional flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
