Description
This Mediterranean-style unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe offers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy one-pan dish. Savory ground lamb or beef is cooked with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and rice, then simmered with cabbage until tender. A squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of parsley add brightness, while optional feta cheese adds a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dish:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/2 cup water or broth
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Crumbled feta cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook until softened, then add garlic.
- Cook the meat: Add ground lamb or beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add seasonings: Stir in cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, and water. Fold in cabbage.
- Simmer: Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Top with feta cheese if desired and serve.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey.
- Par-cook brown rice before adding.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
