Lazy Man'S Cabbage Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Lazy Man's Cabbage Rolls offer a hearty, comforting dish with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that appeals to family and friends alike, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time.

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Ingredients

  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • garlic, crushed or powder as desired

Instructions

  1. Saute the ground beef or turkey with chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and crushed or powdered garlic.
  2. Mix the cooked meat mixture with rice and chopped cabbage.
  3. Place the mixture in an 11 x 13-inch pan.
  4. Combine one can of tomato soup with one cup of tomato juice or sauce and pour over the top of the mixture.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 70 minutes, covered.
  6. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice. You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Adding spices like paprika or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor. If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lazy Man's Cabbage Rolls with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, or pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving with a dollop of sour cream on top. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Quick Skillet Stew And Dumplings for a hearty family dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lazy Man'S Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 315 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

315 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10g 20% DV
Total Fat 7.2g 9% DV
Carbs 52.6g 19% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 624.6mg 27% DV
Potassium 153.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 9.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4mcg
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 20mg 2% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice or even quinoa as a substitute for white rice. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, and you might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

What can I use instead of tomato soup?

If you don’t have tomato soup on hand, you can use a combination of crushed tomatoes and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness. Alternatively, homemade tomato sauce can work as well, ensuring you adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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