Description
Lazy Cabbage Rolls are a simplified version of the classic dish, combining ground meats, seasoned rice, and cabbage into a savory casserole topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
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
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Soak the sliced cabbage in a heatproof bowl with boiling water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, ground turkey, cabbage, cooled rice, grated onion, eggs, seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Shape the mixture into 18-20 oval patties.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and butter, then sauté the diced onion for 5 minutes. Add the grated carrot and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, hot water, salt, and seasoning and bring to a boil.
- Place the patties in a greased casserole dish and pour the prepared sauce over them. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Serve the Lazy Cabbage Rolls hot, with optional sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Notes
If you prefer spicier cabbage rolls, add red pepper flakes or jalapeño to the filling or sauce.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat alternatives or increase the amount of vegetables.
Serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
