EASY CABBAGE ROLL CREATIONS

I can almost smell my grandmother’s kitchen when I think about cabbage rolls. It was always a labor of love, and as much as I cherished those moments, I knew there had to be a way to capture that same flavor without spending an entire afternoon in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting Easy Cabbage Roll Creations Quick & Easy Recipes that are both delicious and manageable for busy weeknights. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite methods, guaranteeing you can enjoy this classic comfort food any time you crave it!

Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Skillet: A Weeknight Wonder

Let’s face it: sometimes you just don’t have the time (or the patience!) for intricate rolling. That’s where the deconstructed cabbage roll skillet comes to the rescue. This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of cabbage at first; it will wilt down as it cooks.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
9. Serve hot, over cooked rice or quinoa, if desired. I find it especially good the next day as leftovers!

Success Tips for the Skillet Cabbage Roll

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding the skillet will steam the beef instead of browning it, which will affect the flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. For a tangier sauce, add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Cabbage Prep is Key: While you can roughly chop the cabbage, try to aim for pieces that are relatively uniform in size. This ensures even cooking.
• Spice It Up (or Down): The red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a nice warmth to the dish. Feel free to omit them if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more if you like things really fiery.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize this recipe with other vegetables you enjoy. Diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.

Lazy Cabbage Rolls: Baked to Perfection

This recipe skips the individual rolling altogether, layering the ingredients in a baking dish for a casserole-style cabbage roll that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version. Think of it as all the flavor, none of the fuss!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head of cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, egg, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (if using).
10. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cabbage is tender.
11. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Casserole Success!

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: The rice will continue to cook in the casserole, so make sure it’s not overcooked to begin with. Slightly undercooked is better than mushy!
• Use a Good Quality Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce is a key component of the flavor, so choose a brand you enjoy.
• Layering for Success: While you can just mix everything together, layering some of the cabbage on the bottom of the baking dish can help prevent sticking.
• Add Some Heat: Just like with the skillet version, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
• Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls: Speedy Comfort

For the ultimate in speed and convenience, try making your cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot! This method significantly reduces the cooking time while still delivering tender cabbage and flavorful filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head of cabbage, cored
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water or beef broth

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Turn off the sauté function.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cooked rice, egg, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves. This can be done by microwaving the cored head of cabbage for a few minutes to soften the leaves, or by gently steaming it.
7. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.
8. Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the Instant Pot.
9. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot, seam-side down. You may need to stack them slightly.
10. Pour the water or beef broth over the cabbage rolls.
11. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
12. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
13. Carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
14. Serve hot, with extra sauce from the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Pro-Tips

• Don’t Overfill the Cabbage Rolls: Overfilling will make them difficult to roll and they may burst during cooking.
• Stack Carefully: If you need to stack the cabbage rolls, make sure they are arranged securely to prevent them from toppling over during cooking.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your cabbage rolls. If the cabbage is still too firm after 15 minutes, add a few more minutes of cooking time.
• Natural Pressure Release is Key: The natural pressure release helps the cabbage rolls cook more evenly and prevents them from bursting.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by using the sauté function to simmer it for a few minutes with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Beyond the Basics: Creative Cabbage Roll Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic cabbage roll recipes, feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mexican Cabbage Rolls: Use ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning, and add corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the filling. Top with salsa and shredded cheddar cheese. Consider a side of Chicken Burrito Casserole for a complete meal.
• Italian Cabbage Rolls: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, and add ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs to the filling. Use a marinara sauce for cooking.
• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Use a mixture of cooked lentils, rice, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and zucchini), and herbs for the filling. Use vegetable broth for cooking.
• Sweet and Sour Cabbage Rolls: Add a touch of sweetness to the sauce with brown sugar or honey, and a touch of acidity with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
• Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup: For an even easier meal, skip the rolling altogether and make a cabbage roll soup! Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer until the cabbage is tender. This is also a great way to use up leftover cabbage.
• Adding Chicken: If you’re looking for a different protein, using Shredded Chicken can make a wonderful and flavorful filling. The key is to shred the chicken finely and mix it well with the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Cabbage rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to cabbage rolls, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cabbage rolls.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots are healthy and flavorful side dishes that complement cabbage rolls perfectly.
• Cream Cheese Dip Alternative: For a sweet and savory option, serving your cabbage rolls as an appetizer with a side of Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip (sounds odd, but trust me!) can be an unexpected treat.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Cabbage rolls are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Cabbage rolls also freeze well. To freeze, let the cooked cabbage rolls cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Alternatively you can wrap them inside the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for an extra kick.

If you are in the mood for a casserole but don’t want cabbage, why not try Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole for another family friendly meal.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several easy and delicious ways to enjoy cabbage rolls without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you prefer the deconstructed skillet version, the layered casserole, or the speedy Instant Pot method, I’m confident you’ll find a recipe that fits your needs and taste. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some truly comforting and satisfying Easy Cabbage Roll Creations Quick & Easy Recipes that your whole family will love! Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Easy Cabbage Roll Creations

Enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without spending hours in the kitchen. This collection offers three easy methods: a deconstructed skillet, a layered casserole, and a speedy Instant Pot version, ensuring a satisfying meal for any weeknight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Eastern European

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head of cabbage, chopped or cored
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
• 1 cup water or beef broth

Equipment

• large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Instant Pot
• Large bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• spoon
• Lid for skillet
• Foil

Method

 

1. **Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Skillet:**
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
6. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
10. Serve hot, over cooked rice or quinoa, if desired.
11. **Lazy Cabbage Rolls: Baked to Perfection:**
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
14. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
15. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
16. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
17. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, egg, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
18. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
19. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
20. Remove the foil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (if using).
21. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cabbage is tender.
22. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
23. **Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls:**
24. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
25. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
26. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
27. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Turn off the sauté function.
28. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cooked rice, egg, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
29. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves. This can be done by microwaving the cored head of cabbage for a few minutes to soften the leaves, or by gently steaming it.
30. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.
31. Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the Instant Pot.
32. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot, seam-side down. You may need to stack them slightly.
33. Pour the water or beef broth over the cabbage rolls.
34. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
35. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
36. Carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
37. Serve hot, with extra sauce from the Instant Pot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water in the Instant Pot or skillet versions. Customize the filling with other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.