Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Make easy lazy cabbage rolls with this hearty and flavorful recipe. Featuring tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rice, all baked in a rich tomato sauce, this dish delivers classic comfort food with less effort. Perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and customizable with different meats and grains. Serve with sour cream or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

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 (7 cups sliced)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 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

Instructions

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

Making the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Place sliced cabbage in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ground turkey, drained cabbage, and cooked rice.
3. Grate half of the onion into the mixture. Add eggs, seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
4. Shape the mixture into oval patties, about 1/2 cup each. Arrange them in the prepared casserole dish.

Preparing the Sauce:

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

Baking:

1. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls until nearly covered.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
3. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

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Tips

• Use a mix of ground meats for a balanced flavor.
• Softening the cabbage in hot water makes it easier to mix and shape.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using store-bought marinara.
• Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping to help it hold together.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground turkey or pork for beef or chicken.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
• Try adding minced garlic or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Substitute marinara with tomato sauce mixed with a little Worcestershire sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze lazy cabbage rolls?
Yes, freeze them unbaked in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of rice?
You can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or bulgur for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Pair with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
• Garnish with extra chopped parsley or dill for freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No rolling required—less work, same great taste.
• Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
• Customizable with different meats, grains, and seasonings.