A Lighter Take on a Classic Comfort Food
Unstuffed cabbage rolls, or stuffed cabbage without the cabbage, offer all the delicious flavors of the traditional dish with significantly less effort. This recipe uses ground beef for a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch. Say goodbye to the tedious process of rolling individual cabbage leaves and hello to a simpler, quicker, and equally flavorful alternative!
Ground Beef and Vegetable Preparation
Begin by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. 
Then, add one chopped onion and two cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened. This is a great base for building our delicious unstuffed cabbage. For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste at this stage and letting it cook for a minute. This step helps deepen the savory notes of the dish. Next, stir in a cup of your favorite chopped vegetables: I love using a mix of carrots, celery, and bell peppers, but feel free to experiment! Find more vegetable ideas here.
The Flavorful Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together a can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. 
Pour this flavorful mixture over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet. The sweetness of the brown sugar will perfectly balance the savory notes, and you can adjust the amount based on your preference. Learn more about balancing flavors in your cooking.
Simmering to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. [IMAGE_3_HERE] Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become! Consider adding a bay leaf for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Check out our tips for perfectly cooked rice.
A Simple and Delicious Meal
This unstuffed cabbage recipe is a true winner! It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and easily adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to add different vegetables, spices, or even a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes. This recipe offers a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Discover more creative variations here. Remember, the key is to let the flavors simmer and develop over time. Enjoy this healthier and easier take on a classic comfort food! Browse more easy weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute.
How can I make this recipe spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
What can I serve this with? Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are all excellent choices.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, simply transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prepping! It tastes even better the next day.
