Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lazy Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls but in a fraction of the time and effort. With a perfect blend of ground meats, rice, and cabbage, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. The homemade sauce adds a rich depth, and the casserole method ensures a deliciously tender result. It’s a great option for a family dinner, meal prep, or potluck!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cabbage Rolls:

4 cups cooked white rice (from 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice), cooled
1/2 medium cabbage, sliced into 1/4″ strips (about 7 cups sliced)
1 lb ground meat (your choice of meat)
1 lb ground turkey
1 large onion, divided (1/2 grated, 1/2 finely diced)
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt-free all-purpose seasoning (e.g., Mrs. Dash)
2 tsp salt
1/2 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
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp salt-free all-purpose seasoning

Directions

1. Prep:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish to prepare for the cabbage rolls.

2. Making the Cabbage Rolls:

Place the sliced cabbage in a heatproof bowl, then pour boiling water over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften.
Drain the cabbage and squeeze out any excess water.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, ground turkey, drained cabbage, and cooled cooked rice.
Grate half of the onion into the mixture. Add eggs, seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix everything well until combined.
Shape the mixture into oval patties, about 1/2 cup each, and arrange them in the prepared casserole dish.

3. Preparing the Sauce:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the julienned carrot and cook for another 3 minutes.
Add the marinara sauce, hot water, salt, and seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil.

4. Baking:

Pour the prepared sauce over the cabbage rolls until they are nearly covered.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

5. Serve:

Serve the Lazy Cabbage Rolls hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. You can also enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16-18 servings

Variations

Ground Meat Swap: Feel free to swap the ground meat and turkey with other ground meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb for different flavor profiles.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat alternatives or increase the amount of rice and vegetables in the filling.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling or sauce if you prefer a spicy twist.
Add More Veggies: Add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 25-30 minutes.

Helpful Tips

Cooking the Rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it into the cabbage roll mixture to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Soften the Cabbage: Soaking the cabbage in boiling water helps it soften without the need for laborious blanching or rolling.
Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like a more herby flavor, add extra dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls and sauce ahead of time. Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

2. Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked rice is a convenient shortcut. Just ensure it’s cooled before adding it to the mixture.

3. How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?

The cabbage rolls are done when they’re heated through and the meat is fully cooked. You can check by cutting one open to ensure the meat is no longer pink in the center.

4. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes! You can transfer the cabbage rolls and sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

5. Can I make the sauce without marinara?

If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even a blend of tomato paste with some Italian seasoning.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

7. Can I freeze the sauce separately?

Yes, the sauce can be frozen separately and added to the rolls when you’re ready to bake. Make sure to let the sauce cool completely before freezing.

8. How can I make the cabbage rolls spicier?

Add a chopped jalapeño to the filling or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick.

9. Can I use a different kind of cabbage?

You can use savoy cabbage or napa cabbage, but green cabbage works best for this recipe.

10. Can I make individual stuffed cabbage rolls instead of a casserole?

Yes, you can make traditional stuffed cabbage rolls by blanching the cabbage leaves and wrapping the filling in each leaf. Then, bake them in the sauce, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Lazy Cabbage Rolls are an easy, hearty, and flavorful twist on a classic dish. With minimal prep and delicious results, this is a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The savory meat filling, tender cabbage, and flavorful sauce come together to create a comforting dish that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and enjoy!