Grandma Elaine's Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

4.6
(91)
79 Reviews
13 Photos

This unstuffed cabbage rolls with meatballs stew is a family heirloom recipe that has been handed down through the generations. My mother taught it to me, and I tweaked it to its current form. I have eaten all kinds of stuffed cabbage, and this comforting, sweet and sour recipe beats them all.

Submitted by Chef Daddy Pete
Updated on August 22, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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a low angle, close up view on a single serving bowl of Grandma Elaine's Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
2 hrs 40 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs
Servings:
10
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 3 onions, sliced

  • 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes

  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 2 pounds green cabbage, cored, and cut into 3 inch chunks

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 eggs

  • 3 tablespoons water

  • 2 tablespoons instant white rice

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • ⅓ cup golden raisins

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar, or to taste

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onions in hot oil until transparent, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, using a spoon to slightly break up whole tomatoes. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  2. Stir in cabbage. Cover and simmer until cabbage is tender and mixes easily with tomatoes, about 1 hour.

  3. Meanwhile, place ground beef, onion, eggs, water, rice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix together with hands until thoroughly blended. Add additional rice if mixture is too moist. Form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a plate; refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm.

  4. Place meatballs on the surface of tomato mixture. Cover and simmer over medium heat until meatballs are firm and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Gently stir meatballs into tomato mixture. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for 45 minutes more.

  5. Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding additional lemon juice if needed. Stir in raisins and honey. Add brown sugar a little at a time, tasting after each addition. Cook stew over medium heat for 15 minutes more.

Cook’s Note

This unstuffed cabbage dish freezes well. The flavors are even better on the second day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

358 Calories
14g Fat
30g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 358
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 118mg 39%
Sodium 961mg 42%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 30g 60%
Vitamin C 52mg 58%
Calcium 98mg 8%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 1030mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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