Print

Lazy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 65 reviews

Lazy Cabbage Rolls are a simplified, deconstructed version of traditional cabbage rolls, combining chopped cabbage, ground chicken, rice, and sautéed vegetables into flavorful, hand-formed balls baked in a rich tomato and sour cream sauce. This easy recipe offers all the comfort of classic cabbage rolls without the labor-intensive wrapping process, making it perfect for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked white rice
  • 1/2 medium cabbage
  • 4 shredded carrots, divided
  • 1 1/2 chopped onion, divided
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2-3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and chop the remaining leaves into very small pieces. Place the chopped cabbage into a large bowl of boiling water and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften. Then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice several times to remove excess starch. Place it in a saucepan, add enough water to cover the rice by about 4 inches, and bring it to a boil. Cook over medium-high heat for 11 minutes until about 90% done. Drain the rice and set aside.
  3. Sauté initial vegetables: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 shredded carrots, cooking until the onion is translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
  4. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, softened cabbage, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and the sautéed onion and carrot mixture. Mix thoroughly—using your hands makes this easier—to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Form the cabbage rolls: Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, form compact balls from the mixture, making sure each scoop is full and tightly packed. Arrange the balls closely together in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the remaining chopped onion and shredded carrots until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the sour cream and tomato sauce, cooking for about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and mix well to create a smooth sauce.
  7. Assemble and bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the arranged cabbage roll balls. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake in a preheated oven at 370°F (188°C) for 1 hour until the rolls are cooked through and flavors melded.

Notes

  • Boiling the cabbage briefly softens it and removes any bitterness.
  • Be sure not to overcook the rice—90% done is perfect to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
  • Forming compact balls helps the rolls hold their shape while baking.
  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef if desired.
  • Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes after baking for best flavor and easier serving.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/lazy-cabbage-rolls-recipe/