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    Home > Main Dish

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Quick + Easy for Classic Flavors)

    Published: Oct 26, 2023 by Valya's Taste of Home · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you're in the mood for Cabbage Rolls without all the fuss, this recipe is perfect for you! It’s a simpler, cheat version of the classic rolls for deconstructed cabbage rolls that taste exactly the same! Every bite has tender cabbage leaves, flavorful beef, and rice mixture, along with other pantry staples for a hearty, savory meal and satisfying crunch!

    Cabbage rolls are a classic dish that's loved by many and for a good reason. They're wholesome, satisfying, and can be customized to suit your taste.

    Cabbage rolls are a classic dish that's loved by many and for a good reason. They're wholesome, satisfying, and can be customized to suit your taste. Moreover, they're a great way to use up leftover ingredients and can be made in large batches, making them a perfect choice for meal prep or family gatherings.

    This particular cabbage roll recipe stands out for its ease of preparation! But don’t let that fool you. You’ll still end up with the exact flavor of cabbage rolls! Plus, the creaminess of the heavy cream, the tang of the tomato paste, and the subtle sweetness of the carrots create a combination of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

    Want to learn how to make this cabbage roll recipe? Then, keep on reading. 

    Table of Contents
    • What are Cabbage Rolls?
    • What Makes This Cabbage Rolls Recipe Special?
    • What You Need to Make Cabbage Rolls at Home
    • How to Make Cabbage Rolls (Step-by-Step)
    • Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Rolls Ever
    • Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Rolls
    • Recipe Variation Ideas for Cabbage Rolls
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store Leftover Cabbage Rolls
    • Similar Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe Card
    • Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Quick + Easy for Classic Flavors)
    • Comments

    What are Cabbage Rolls?

    Cabbage rolls are a delightful, flavorful dish that originates from Eastern Europe. They’re traditionally a savory mixture of mixture of ingredients, including ground beef, onions, and white rice within tender cabbage leaves. 

    The cabbage rolls are then baked until they're beautifully golden, and the flavors have melded together, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. However, this process can be quite tedious and time-consuming. That’s where my recipe comes in! 

    It features all the flavors and textures of the stuffed cabbage rolls recipe but without the fuss! It’s convenient, quick, and absolutely delicious. My kids love it with sour cream as well since it’s commonly enjoyed with cabbage rolls. 

    So, when you get a craving for those hard to come by cabbage rolls, try out this simple version that will hit the spot with half the effort. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

    What Makes This Cabbage Rolls Recipe Special?

    Quick: Unlike traditional cabbage rolls, this recipe doesn't require hours of your time. Just mix the ingredients together in a large pot and bake. It is a time-saving solution for those busy weekdays when you crave something hearty and delicious.

    Family favorite: This recipe is sure to become a hit with your family. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful meat, and perfectly cooked rice makes it a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

    Versatile: This cabbage roll recipe is versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences. You can use ground beef, chicken, pork, or even turkey for the meat. Also, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking, making it your own unique version of a classic dish.

    Cabbage rolls are a delightful, flavorful dish that originates from Eastern Europe.

    What You Need to Make Cabbage Rolls at Home

    All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this cabbage roll recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

    • Green Cabbage: This is the star of our cabbage rolls recipe. Its tender leaves will be filled with our savory meat mixture, providing a delightful contrast in textures.
    • Carrots: Grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
    • Beef: The main component of the meat mixture, beef contributes a hearty flavor and texture. 
    • Rice: We use white rice in this recipe. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a great texture to the meat mixture.
    • Yellow Onion: Onions not only add flavor to the meat mixture but also keep it moist and succulent.
    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe
    • Olive Oil or Unsalted Butter: These fats are used for cooking the onions and add a rich flavor to the dish.
    • Tomato Paste: This ingredient deepens the flavor of the meat mixture and gives a nice, rich color to the rolls.
    • Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives a velvety and creamy texture to the dish, enhancing its overall mouthfeel.
    • Cold Water: Used in boiling the cabbage leaves and cooking the rice, guaranteeing that they are perfectly tender.
    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe
    • Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish and also gives a pop of color for presentation.
    • Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning, it brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
    • Mrs. Dash Seasoning: This all-purpose seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor to our meat mixture.
    • Garlic Salt: It provides a subtle hint of garlic, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
    • Black Ground Pepper: It gives a slight heat to the dish, balancing the flavors perfectly.
    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    How to Make Cabbage Rolls (Step-by-Step)

    Making these incredible cabbage rolls is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

    How to Prep Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls

    The first step to making delicious cabbage rolls is to gather your ingredients. You'll need to measure out your seasoning, which might include salt, pepper, parsley, and garlic. Once you've mixed your seasoning together, set it aside until it is needed.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    Next up is the meat. Choose your preference from ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey. Rinse the meat thoroughly, then cut it into small pieces. Season the meat using the mixture you prepared earlier. 

    After seasoning, cover your meat in a large bowl - a gallon-size Ziploc bag can work really well for this, too - and let it marinate in the fridge for at least two to eight hours. The longer the meat marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    While the meat is marinating, you can start preparing your vegetables. First, rinse your head of cabbage, then shred it into thin, tender cabbage leaves using a sharp knife. Next, grate your carrots and chop your onions. 

    Once you're done preparing the vegetables, set them aside until you're ready to use them.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    How to Cook Cabbage Rolls

    After your meat has marinated, it is time to start cooking. Begin by heating a pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the meat and brown it.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    Then add your chopped onions to the pan and sauté them for a minute. Afterward, add your grated carrots and continue to sauté for another minute. 

    The next step is to add your tomato paste and heavy cream to the pan. Mix all these ingredients together until they're well blended. After that, pour in two cups of cold water and an additional half teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe
    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    While your meat and vegetable mixture is cooking, rinse your white rice well. Then, in a large pot, combine the shredded cabbage, rice, and meat/cream mixture. Mix everything together until it is well combined.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    Once your mixture is ready, cover your pot and place it in the oven. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Bake your cabbage rolls for forty-five minutes at a temperature of 375 F or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.

    After baking, remove your cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool for about fifteen to thirty minutes before serving. Be careful not to mash the cooked rice with the vegetables while mixing. 

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    Your delicious homemade cabbage rolls are ready to serve!

    The cabbage rolls are then baked until they're beautifully golden, and the flavors have melded together, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

    Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Rolls Ever

    Marinate the meat: For a tender and flavorful meat mixture, marinate the ground beef for at least two to eight hours before cooking. This extra step will guarantee that the ground beef is rich in flavor.

    Prepare the vegetables: Shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and chop the onions ahead of time. This will not only save you time during cooking but also make sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cabbage rolls.

    Let it cool: After baking your cabbage rolls, allow them to cool for about fifteen to thirty minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle and enhance the flavors.

    Pair with a salad: Serve your cabbage rolls with a side of your favorite salad. This will balance out your meal and add a fresh component to compliment the hearty cabbage rolls.

    Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Rolls

    • For a comforting dinner, serve these cabbage rolls warm, right out of the oven. Pair them with a side of mashed potatoes and some freshly steamed or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
    • If you're in the mood for a lighter lunch, pair a couple of these cabbage rolls with a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad will compliment the tender cabbage leaves and flavorful meat mixture perfectly.
    • For a unique spin, try serving these cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream and some homemade pickles. This Eastern European twist will add a tangy kick that balances the richness of the cabbage rolls.
    • For a Polish-inspired feast, serve these cabbage rolls with some pierogi and Polish sausage. Don't forget to pour a glass of Polish beer for the full experience!

    Recipe Variation Ideas for Cabbage Rolls

    This delicious cabbage rolls recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

    Polish variation: Give your cabbage rolls a Polish twist. Substitute the beef with a mixture of ground pork and beef, and add a hint of sweetness with a tablespoon of brown sugar. This Polish cabbage roll recipe variation is popular for its unique blend of savory and sweet flavors.

    Add some tang: If you enjoy a bit of tanginess to your meals, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the meat mixture. The citrus flavor of the lemon will add a refreshing touch to the cabbage rolls, making them even more delicious.

    Spice it up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the meat mixture. The red pepper will give your cabbage rolls a spicy kick that you'll definitely enjoy.

    Plus, the creaminess of the heavy cream, the tang of the tomato paste, and the subtle sweetness of the carrots create a combination of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of rice is best for this cabbage roll recipe?

    For this recipe, you can use any long-grain rice of your choice. However, white rice is used most commonly, as it adds a nice texture and absorbs the flavors well.

    Can I use another type of meat instead of beef?

    Yes, you can. While beef is used in this recipe, feel free to substitute it with ground pork or ground turkey. Just make sure that you cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to your cabbage rolls.

    What if I don't have time to make traditional cabbage rolls?

    If you're short on time, you can prepare these "lazy cabbage rolls." It is a simplified version of the traditional recipe, where you mix all the ingredients together in a pot and bake it. You still get the amazing flavor of cabbage rolls, but in less time.

    How can I serve these cabbage rolls?

    These cabbage rolls can be served with sour cream or home canned tomatoes, pickles, or any of your favorite salads. It is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. It’s also great with some tomato soup!

    What's the best way to season the meat for cabbage rolls?

    For the best flavor, season the meat and let it marinate in the fridge for at least two to eight hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the meat will be.

    How to Store Leftover Cabbage Rolls

    If you've tried your hand at a cabbage roll recipe and found yourself with leftovers, don't fret! Storing and reheating these delicious parcels is a breeze.

    First, allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely. Then, place it in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    You can easily reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave in thirty-second increments. Heat it until it's warm all the way through. 

    If you’re looking to freeze it, I would advise against it. I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the texture and crunch of the vegetables will be lost. Considering it’s a ‘lazy cabbage rolls’ recipe, you can make it fresh or store it in the fridge for up to three days to have later instead of storing it in the freezer.

    It’s a simpler, cheat version of the classic rolls for deconstructed cabbage rolls that taste exactly the same! Every bite has tender cabbage leaves, flavorful beef, and rice mixture, along with other pantry staples for a hearty, savory meal and satisfying crunch!

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    See all the main recipes.

    Recipe Card

    It’s a simpler, cheat version of the classic rolls for deconstructed cabbage rolls that taste exactly the same! Every bite has tender cabbage leaves, flavorful beef, and rice mixture, along with other pantry staples for a hearty, savory meal and satisfying crunch!

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Quick + Easy for Classic Flavors)

    Valya's Taste of Home
    Love cabbage rolls but find them too time-consuming to make? My recipe is what you need! It has all the flavors and textures of cabbage rolls without the fuss!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    15 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12

    Ingredients
      

    For Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

    • 1 medium – green cabbage
    • 2 large – carrots
    • 1.5 lbs. – beef
    • 1 medium – organic yellow onion
    • 2 cups – rice (of your choice, I used white rice)
    • 2 tbsp. - olive oil
    • 3 oz. – organic tomato paste
    • ½ cup – heavy cream
    • 2 cups - cold water
    • 1 tbsp. – parsley
    • ½ tbsp. – sea salt + 1 tsp. - sea salt for the meat sauce
    • 1 tsp. – Mrs. Dash seasoning
    • ½ tsp. – garlic salt
    • ¼ tsp. – black ground pepper
    Read More

    Instructions
     

    How to Prep Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls

    • The first step to making delicious cabbage rolls is to gather your ingredients. You'll need to measure out your seasoning, which might include salt, pepper, parsley, and garlic. Once you've mixed your seasoning together, set it aside until it is needed.
    • Next up is the meat. Choose your preference from ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey. Rinse the meat thoroughly, then cut it into small pieces. Season the meat using the mixture you prepared earlier.
    • After seasoning, cover your meat in a large bowl - a gallon-size Ziploc bag can work really well for this, too - and let it marinate in the fridge for at least two to eight hours. The longer the meat marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
    • While the meat is marinating, you can start preparing your vegetables. First, rinse your head of cabbage, then shred it into thin, tender cabbage leaves using a sharp knife. Next, grate your carrots and chop your onions.
    • Once you're done preparing the vegetables, set them aside until you're ready to use them.

    How to Cook Cabbage Rolls

    • After your meat has marinated, it is time to start cooking. Begin by heating a pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the meat and brown it.
    • Then add your chopped onions to the pan and sauté them for a minute. Afterward, add your grated carrots and continue to sauté for another minute.
    • The next step is to add your tomato paste and heavy cream to the pan. Mix all these ingredients together until they're well blended. After that, pour in two cups of cold water and an additional half teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
    • While your meat and vegetable mixture is cooking, rinse your white rice well. Then, in a large pot, combine the shredded cabbage, rice, and meat/cream mixture. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
    • Once your mixture is ready, cover your pot and place it in the oven. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Bake your cabbage rolls for an hour and twenty minutes at a temperature of 375 F.
    • After baking, remove your cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool for about fifteen to thirty minutes before serving. Be careful not to mash the cooked rice with the vegetables while mixing.
    • Your delicious homemade cabbage rolls are ready to serve!
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo on Instagram @valyastasteofhome or tag #valyastasteofhome!
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    This recipe was originally posted on September 14, 2017 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.

    Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tanya says

      November 01, 2019 at 9:17 am

      Hi,,, what kind of beef cut do you use for this recipe???

      Reply
      • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

        November 03, 2019 at 1:18 am

        I prefer Round Eye Roast cut.

        Reply
    2. Lena says

      December 18, 2017 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      Made this recently, delicious! I used chicken instead of beef, and still tasted good, especially with sour cream! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes! So many of them are ones that my mom or grandma made but never from a written recipe. Anytime I asked mom for exact measurements, she would just say, she does out by eyeballing it, so she can't even explain:) thank you once again!

      Reply
      • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

        December 18, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        You are very welcome!

        Reply
    3. jessica says

      October 04, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      Valya, did you use garlic salt or garlic powder for meat sseasoning? Thanks

      Reply
      • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

        October 04, 2017 at 6:05 pm

        I used garlic powder for the meat seasoning. Garlic salt consists of garlic powder, sea salt, and parsley ingredients. So if you're using garlic salt then use only a tablespoon of it and do not add additional salt, parsley, and garlic powder. I hope this helps.

        Reply
        • jessica says

          October 05, 2017 at 8:44 am

          Thank you! I am making it today, hope my family will love it!

          Reply
          • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

            October 05, 2017 at 10:33 am

            Please do share your experience with me and how you guys like it. Thank you for trying out my recipes. 🙂

            Reply
            • jessica says

              October 05, 2017 at 2:39 pm

              Valya, i really liked i,t but the rice that was on top was not fully cooked. Did it happen to you? Thanks

            • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

              October 05, 2017 at 3:11 pm

              Hi, Jessica. If the rice didn't cook on top all the way means you needed to give another 10 to 15 minutes (I usually stir it carefully and pop it back into the oven). Ovens differ in temperature, so next time that happens just cook it a little longer. I hope this helps. Thank you so much for trying out my recipes and sharing your experience with me. 🙂

    4. Yelena says

      September 24, 2017 at 2:35 pm

      Hello Valentina, in this post you mention several kitchen tools that you've used. Can you please add a link to each item? Greatly appreciate all your hard work!
      P.S. I love your site! You are my greatest inspiration! Just wish I could navigate it more easier from a cell phone. :/ May God bless you abundantly!

      Reply
      • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

        September 24, 2017 at 4:05 pm

        Hi Yelena! Thank you for kind words! 😉
        I try to add pictures of the kitchen items I used for specific recipe at the end of each post. If you click on the picture it will take you to Amazon on line store where you can order an item if you don't have one (the pictures are affiliate links, so if you make a purchase I get a small commission, but your price is the same).
        I would like to know what specifically you mean when you said that it's hard for you to navigate my website from your cell phone? My website is mobile friendly and it's should be easy to navigate just as from desktop computer or a laptop. Hope to hear from you 🙂

        Reply
    5. Ashley says

      September 17, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      Yummy!!!!! This looks so delicious!!!!! Thank you so much for posting!!!!! ❤❤❤

      Reply
      • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

        September 17, 2017 at 9:52 pm

        Yes, this is definitely one of our family favorite comfort food. Thank you for stopping by and commenting Ashley 🙂

        Reply
    6. Makos(@thehungrybites) says

      September 17, 2017 at 12:59 am

      Hey, Valya!
      This looks so appetizing, I should definitely try it!

      Reply
      • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

        September 17, 2017 at 9:58 pm

        Thank you, it sure is. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Nat says

      September 16, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      On my next to make list.

      Reply
      • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

        September 17, 2017 at 10:24 pm

        Let me know how you like it

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    A food blogger, recipe developer, photographer, editor, and author behind Valya’s Taste of Home website. Sharing family-proven tasty recipes with step-by-step photos and videos. Read more...

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