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This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a quick and easy version of the classic dish, made with tender cabbage, seasoned pork, and a flavorful sauce. Perfectly portioned for one, it’s a satisfying one-pan meal that’s simple to make and full of comforting flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: Get the rich, comforting taste of cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling and wrapping.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Easy to Adapt: Swap ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfectly Portioned: Made for one but can be doubled if you want extra.
I’ve always loved the flavors of classic cabbage rolls—the tender cabbage, savory meat, and rich sauce—but let’s be honest, sometimes I don’t have the patience for all that rolling. That’s why this deconstructed version is a favorite. It delivers the same hearty, satisfying taste without the extra steps. Everything comes together in one pan, making it just as easy as it is delicious. And if you want leftovers or need to feed someone else, just double the recipe—problem solved!
Enjoy with a slice ofFrench bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving unstuffed cabbage roll recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor, but a lighter olive oil can be used if preferred.
- Lean Ground Pork: This recipe uses lean ground pork, but ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative works too. If you have extra, try it in Beer Bread or Biscuit with Sausage Gravy.
- Onion, Garlic, and Tomato: These build the base of the dish, adding depth and richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.
- Cabbage: You’ll need about 1 cup (3 ounces) of chopped cabbage. Green cabbage is most commonly used, but red cabbage, napa cabbage, or savoy cabbage will also work.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or make a small batch of homemade tomato sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey: These balance the dish with a touch of sweetness and acidity. White or balsamic vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar, and sugar can be used instead of honey.
Recipe Variations
These deconstructed cabbage rolls are easy to customize—try one of these flavorful variations:
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap marinara for a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Use ground chicken for a different flavor.
- Mediterranean-Style: Use ground lamb and season with cinnamon and cumin for a warm, aromatic twist.
How To Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Cook the Pork, Onions, and Garlic: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork, onions, garlic, and chopped tomatoes until the pork is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the Cabbage and Sauce: Stir in the chopped cabbage, marinara sauce, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the honey, then serve over cooked rice.
Expert Tips
- Prepare the Cabbage: Chop the cabbage into small pieces for even cooking. If you want to save time, pre-shredded cabbage works too.
- Simmer Slowly: Keep the heat low while simmering to let the flavors develop.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt and pepper if needed.
How to Freeze Cabbage
If you have leftover cabbage, freezing is a great way to save it for future meals.
- Cut & Blanch: Chop the cabbage into wedges and boil for 3 minutes.
- Cool Quickly: Transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Dry & Freeze: Pat dry, spread on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm.
- Store: Transfer to freezer bags and keep frozen for up to 3 months.
Frozen cabbage works well in soups, stews, and stir-fries—just thaw and use as needed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, simply swap the ground pork for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This is a single serving recipe, but if you double it, you may have leftovers to freeze. We recommend freezing the cabbage roll mixture and rice in separate containers to maintain the best texture.
This recipe makes just the right amount of filling, but if you want extra, simply double the ingredients. Use the extra filling over rice, stuff it into a baked potato, or wrap it in a tortilla for an easy meal. It also works well as a filling for bell peppers.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces lean ground pork
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -chopped
- 1 medium Roma tomato -chopped, or substitute with 4–5 halved grape tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- ¼ cup Marinara sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Cook the Pork and Aromatics: Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork, onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the pork is browned and the onions are soft.
- Add the Cabbage and Sauce: Stir in the cabbage, marinara sauce, water, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the honey and serve the dish over cooked rice.
Notes
- Prepare the Cabbage: Thinly slice the cabbage for faster, even cooking. Pre-shredded cabbage is a great shortcut for convenience.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasonings before serving to suit your preferences.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I always used to make a roaster pan full! now its only me so thanks for this recipe–must print it nd share with my sister–p.s. also did not know I can freeze cabbage!
Hi Joanie, I just wanted to say that I really like this recipe and have made it several times. I had never really eaten cabbage before, but thanks to your recipe, I have discovered that I actually enjoy it – which is convenient, considering it’s cheap, widely available and nutritious. Sometimes I even find myself snacking on the raw leaves as I’m preparing it.
I’ve also made your roasted cabbage recipe a couple of times, and I enjoy it as well, and I intend to try the colcannon soon. I would also like to try making cabbage soup sometime, so I would love to see a good small-batch recipe for that if you’ve got one!
Thank you, Ben! We’ve added a cabbage soup to our list of recipes to possibly work on this year – great suggestion!
Thank you for this recipe which reminds me of the dishes my mother made! So easy and flavorful – I used “no sugar added” marinara sauce and half the suggested amount of honey which added just a touch of sweetness. Delicious!
I lived in Germany for years and fell in love with cabbage rolls. As a single senior citizen I struggle with one dish dinners. Then I found you!
This recipe is so good that I’ve made it twice in two weeks! Because I like everything a little spicy I add a version of hot shake spice for that touch of heat. Other than that I follow your recipe to the T. The ease is astounding! Then I eat and relish every delectable bite. Thank you for scaling down these recipes and saving me from lots of scraps and reducing my grocery bill.
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so glad you love the recipe.
I make this and use a whole can of diced tomatoes and was much water or broth as needed to make a soup.
This was easy and so tasty! Even better than I expected. Definitely a repeater! Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the cabbage rolls. Thank you so much for your feedback.
Could Italian sausage be used instead of ground pork?
Yes.
I love your recipes How do i get your cookbook Thank you
Thank you so much! The book can be ordered from Amazon and is also available in many bookstores. https://onedishkitchen.com/ultimate-cooking-for-one-book-order-page/
This looks terrific. I have a recipe for unstuffed cabbage that serves close to a dozen people. It is a night before recipe. I start it the night before and finish it the nest day.It calls for meatballs and rice to be cooked with the cabbage the next day.I take it to church pot lucks. However, at home, this would be a problem. I can’t wait to try your dish.
Jolene Walters
Hi Joanie
i am a Aussie newbie to the “One Dish Kitchen” community and just love how quick, easy and delicious your recipes are. And i especially love this recipe as it brings back memories of my mothers Goลฤ bki which i loved as a kid. And is quick and easy compared to the traditional Polish way.
i look forward to trying all your recipes.
5 Stars
Hi Tony,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Is it possible to use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce?
Absolutely, Marlene. Either or both will work great. I would suggest using 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of canned tomatoes with their juices.
Enjoy!
Joanie
Good, except too sweet ( did not add honey). That must be the marinara sauce??? This is so much faster than the 45 minute cabbage roll recipe that came with the microwave!
I’m glad you enjoyed the cabbage rolls, thanks so much for your feedback!