Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls - Bonita's Kitchen

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is higher in protein, while bulgur is usually cheaper.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and water with seasoning is cost-effective.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade puree can reduce preservatives, while canned tomatoes are often cheaper.

Cut cabbage into slices and do a rough chop to get it into smaller pieces.

Soak chopped cabbage in water to allow it to expand, if desired.

Chop 2 large tomatoes into nice chunks.

In a large roaster, grease the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Layer the soaked cabbage at the bottom of the roaster, using about 9 cups.

Season the cabbage with onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Pinch uncooked lean ground beef over the cabbage layer.

Season the ground beef with the same seasonings (onion powder, salt, pepper).

Drizzle diced tomatoes over the top for moisture.

Spread 1 cup of jasmine rice evenly over the ground beef.

Add tomato sauce over the rice and beef mixture.

Layer chopped onion over the top, noting that it can be omitted if desired.

Top with the remainder of the tomato sauce and add a little water to clean out the sauce bottle, using 1 to 2 cups as needed.

Layer fresh chopped tomatoes on top for added moisture.

Cover the roaster and bake at 375°F for 60 to 90 minutes, checking halfway through and adding more water or broth if necessary.

Remove from the oven and serve, optionally with homemade bread.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: