Description

Lazy Cabbage Rolls are a delicious and simplified version of traditional cabbage rolls, featuring a hearty mixture of ground pork, ground turkey, cooked rice, and fresh cabbage strips. This easy-to-make recipe skips the traditional wrapping step, instead combining all ingredients into flavorful patties cooked on the stovetop and finished in a saucy simmer. Ideal for a comforting dinner, these patties are tender and flavorful, served with marinara sauce and a touch of herbs.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

4 cups cooked white rice (from 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice, cooled to room temperature)
1/2 medium cabbage (sliced into 1/4″ wide strips, about 7 cups sliced)
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground turkey
1 large onion (divided: 1/2 grated and 1/2 finely diced)
2 large eggs
Original Mrs. Dash or any salt-free all-purpose seasoning, to taste
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley or dill
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large carrot (julienned or grated)
2 cups store-bought marinara sauce or homemade marinara
3 cups hot water

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Instructions

Prepare the rice and cabbage: Cook the rice according to package instructions using 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice and allow it to cool to room temperature. While the rice cooks, slice half of a medium cabbage into 1/4-inch wide strips to yield about 7 cups. Julienne or grate one large carrot and set aside.
Mix the meat and vegetable mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground turkey with the cooled cooked rice. Add half of a large onion grated finely and the other half diced finely. Crack in two large eggs, then season with Original Mrs. Dash seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley or dill for freshness.
Add cabbage and form patties: Fold the sliced cabbage and grated carrot into the meat mixture until evenly distributed. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine. Form the mixture into 16-18 evenly sized patties, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter each.
Sauté patties: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
Simmer in sauce: Pour 2 cups marinara sauce and 3 cups hot water into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any brown bits from the pan for added flavor. Return the patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the patties are tender and the flavors meld together.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the lazy cabbage rolls hot, spooning additional sauce over the top. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meats with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use a vegetable-based sauce.
Use freshly grated carrot for the best texture; frozen carrots can add excess moisture.
Adjust seasoning carefully since the sauce adds saltiness.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.