Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

I have been preparing this recipe for over 40 years and it offers endless variations. I don't follow a specific recipe, I simply throw in ingredients into the pot. I have tried it with ground turkey or chicken, sometimes without any ground meat, adding kielbasa, or using sweet sausage instead. I always include garlic and sometimes mix in rice or chopped/sliced potatoes. A spoon or two of sugar usually goes in as well. This recipe serves as a great base to experiment with different ingredients and spices. Whether you add or omit certain things, the result is always satisfying. Kraft recipes also feature a version of this dish. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

This recipe is fantastic! I decided to give it another try and kicked it up a notch by incorporating 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of smoked sausage for extra flavor. I layered everything in the crock pot, placing a can of fire-roasted tomatoes in the middle and topping it off with a can of tomato sauce. No water needed. A sprinkle of brown sugar on top added a nice touch. I cooked it on low for about 6 hours, and the result was phenomenal. The original recipe was good, but these additions really elevate the flavor profile.

OMG, incredibly delicious comfort food! I substituted tomato paste mixed with water for sauce and let it simmer for over an hour. Authentic cabbage rolls should be braised until the cabbage is tender, not crisp! I recommend preparing this dish several hours or a day ahead for enhanced flavors. Serving it with a dollop of sour cream is a must. I highly recommend following the recipe in full, as the leftovers are fantastic and it freezes well. Adjust seasoning to taste, but avoid using tomato soup. For a more classic Eastern European taste, consider using canned stewed tomatoes instead. 6/18/25

Super easy to make! I was craving a sweet and sour dish with an Eastern European Jewish twist. I incorporated 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar into the sauce for half of the recipe. It turned out absolutely perfect!

I decided to stick with whole tomatoes for my halupkis like the Snopiks always did, for nostalgic reasons. However, I think using diced tomatoes would make them easier to eat. I also included 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of uncooked rice (not instant) in the recipe. The seasoning was just right. While the Snopiks usually baked theirs with whole tomatoes and sauerkraut surrounding the cabbage rolls, I omitted the sauerkraut in mine. I will definitely make this dish again. It's a delicious comfort food perfect for cold weather!

Just needs a touch more salt, but overall incredibly delicious! 😋

I use stock and add peppers and rice – it's really delicious.

This recipe is incredibly simple, tasty, and budget-friendly. My husband adores it because it's low-carb and delicious. Definitely recommend giving it a try!

I make this recipe every fall without fail. It yields enough for a satisfying meal and extra portions to freeze for future meals. I've experimented with both ground beef and ground chicken, and our clear favorite is the savory ground beef version. I like to substitute low-sodium beef broth for water, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of vinegar, and a hint of sugar to enhance the flavors. The tang from the vinegar gives it a delightful kick. I've tried it with and without rice, and my husband's preference is without rice, although I personally enjoy both variations.

I had some leftover bell pepper stuffing with ground beef and rice that I wasn't sure what to do with. This recipe was a perfect solution!

Super simple and delicious! I enhanced the flavors by including 1 tablespoon of chili flakes, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. I also added 2 extra cloves of garlic and substituted water with chicken stock. It was absolutely fantastic served over rice. I will definitely be making this again.