Are you craving a delicious Eastern European comfort food but dreading the complicated preparation? Say hello to the Lazy Man's Cabbage Rolls - the ultimate solution for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort! This ingenious recipe transforms the classic cabbage roll into a one-pot wonder that will have your family begging for seconds. Forget spending hours meticulously wrapping individual rolls; this streamlined version delivers all the traditional taste with a fraction of the work.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and cabbage, and measure out the rice, ground beef, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for about 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Once the cabbage is slightly tender, spread half of it evenly across the bottom of the pot. This will create a bed for the meat mixture.
- Take the beef and rice mixture and form it into small balls or patties. Place these on top of the layer of cabbage in the pot.
- After placing the meat mixture, layer the remaining chopped cabbage over the top of the meatballs.
- Pour the can of tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage and meat mixture. Then, carefully pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the liquid covers the layers.
- Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, check that the rice is cooked through and the meat is fully cooked. If necessary, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Lazy Man's Cabbage Rolls hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy your comforting Eastern European dish!
Tips
- Choose the right cabbage: Fresh, crisp cabbage ensures the best texture and flavor. Look for heads that are firm and have tight, unblemished leaves.
- Don't overcook the rice: Since the rice cooks in the pot with the meat and broth, use uncooked rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Layer strategically: The bottom and top cabbage layers help protect the meat and add moisture to the dish.
- Control your liquid: The beef broth should just cover the ingredients. Too much liquid can make the dish soupy.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Optional enhancements: Consider adding garlic, paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
