Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplified Preparation – No need to meticulously roll each cabbage leaf; this recipe streamlines the process for convenience.
- Hearty and Filling – Combining ground meats, rice, and cabbage ensures a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and comforting.
- Family-Friendly – The familiar flavors and approachable texture make it a hit among both adults and children.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Lazy Cabbage Rolls:
- 4 cups cooked white rice (from 1½ cups uncooked rice), cooled to room temperature
- ½ medium cabbage, sliced into ¼-inch wide strips (approximately 7 cups)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion, divided (½ grated and ½ finely diced)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt-free all-purpose seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley or dill
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups hot water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt-free all-purpose seasoning
Directions
Prepare the Cabbage:
- Slice the cabbage into ¼-inch thin strips.
- Place the sliced cabbage in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain and squeeze out excess water using your hands.
Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, drained cabbage, and cooked rice.
- Grate ½ of the large onion into the mixture.
- Add the eggs, salt-free seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley or dill.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, using about ½ cup of the mixture for each.
- Arrange the patties in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Finely dice the remaining ½ onion.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter.
- Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the julienned carrot and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and hot water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Season with salt and salt-free seasoning to taste.
Combine and Bake:
- Pour the sauce over the patties in the casserole dish until they are nearly covered.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 40 minutes.
Serve:
- Plate the lazy cabbage rolls and spoon additional sauce over the top.
- Serve with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the ground meats with a combination of lentils and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick – Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture for added heat.
- Different Grains – Substitute rice with quinoa or bulgur for a unique texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.
- Freezing – These cabbage rolls freeze well. Place cooled patties in a freezer-safe container, cover with sauce, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and turkey with chicken or a meatless alternative.
2. Do I need to cook the cabbage before mixing it with the meat?
Yes, softening the cabbage by soaking it in boiling water ensures a tender texture in the final dish.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What’s the best way to serve these lazy cabbage rolls?
They pair well with sour cream, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.
5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but make sure it is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.
6. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and packed tightly when shaping the patties. The eggs help bind everything together.
7. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, you can simmer the patties in the sauce on low heat for about 40 minutes, covered.
8. What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be finely chopped and added to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
9. Can I make a low-carb version?
Yes, substitute the rice with finely riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water slightly or let it simmer longer before pouring over the patties.
Conclusion
Lazy Cabbage Rolls are the perfect solution for those who love traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker and easier preparation. This recipe keeps all the hearty flavors intact while eliminating the time-consuming rolling process. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a satisfying and delicious option. Give them a try and enjoy a classic dish with a modern twist!
Lazy Cabbage Rolls
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work! These Lazy Cabbage Rolls combine ground meat, rice, and cabbage in a one-pan, oven-baked dish, smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or meal prep, this recipe is easy, filling, and family-approved!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Lazy Cabbage Rolls:
- 4 cups cooked white rice (from 1½ cups uncooked), cooled
- ½ medium cabbage, sliced into ¼-inch strips (~7 cups)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, divided (½ grated, ½ finely diced)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt-free all-purpose seasoning (e.g., Mrs. Dash)
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley or dill
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups hot water
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp salt-free all-purpose seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage:
- Slice cabbage into ¼-inch thin strips.
- Place cabbage in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain and squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, drained cabbage, and cooked rice.
- Grate ½ of the onion into the mixture.
- Add eggs, seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or dill.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape into oval-shaped patties (~½ cup of mixture per patty).
- Arrange patties in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Finely dice the remaining ½ onion.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter.
- Sauté diced onion for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add julienned carrot and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and hot water, bringing to a boil.
- Season with salt and all-purpose seasoning.
Combine and Bake:
- Pour the sauce over the patties until they are nearly covered.
- Cover with foil and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 40 minutes.
Serve:
- Plate the lazy cabbage rolls, spoon additional sauce over the top, and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option – Replace meat with lentils and mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Low-Carb Version – Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Alternative Grains – Use quinoa or bulgur instead of white rice.
