Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage: A Hearty Favorite

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Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage has a comforting aroma that instantly takes me back to my childhood. This deconstructed sweet and sour cabbage dish is a weeknight lifesaver, offering all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the fuss of rolling. The tender meatballs, packed with savory goodness, swim in a rich, tangy sauce that’s both sweet and sour, with just the right amount of tomato-y goodness. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. I love this sweet and sour cabbage recipe because it’s so forgiving and always turns out perfectly. Let’s get cooking this easy unstuffed cabbage rolls version!

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

This recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons:

Effortless Flavor: It delivers all the classic taste of cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling process.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, meaning less cleanup for you.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s a hearty, warming dish perfect for any night of the week.
Easy Weeknight Meal: This easy unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable: Easily swap ground beef for turkey or pork, and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for future quick meals.
Kid-Approved: The sweet and sour sauce and tender meatballs are usually a hit with the whole family.
Deconstructed Delight: Enjoy the familiar flavors in a new, accessible format, making it an easy unstuffed cabbage rolls option.

Ingredients for Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

Gathering your ingredients is the first delicious step in making this simple sweet and sour cabbage dish. It’s quite similar to preparing a cabbage roll filling recipe no cabbage leaves, but all in one pot! You’ll need:

1 large onion, diced – for foundational flavor
2 lbs green cabbage, chopped – the star of the show
15 oz tomato sauce – the base for our tangy broth
28 oz canned tomatoes, with juice – adds depth and body
1 cup water or broth – to create a lovely simmering liquid
¼ cup honey – for that essential sweetness
¼ cup lemon juice – to balance the sweetness with tang
⅓ cup brown sugar – adds another layer of caramel sweetness
1 tsp Hungarian paprika – for a hint of smoky warmth
1 lb ground beef or turkey – for our hearty meatballs
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – a secret umami booster for the meatballs
½ tsp salt – to enhance all the flavors
1 egg – to bind the meatballs
½ cup grated onion – for extra flavor in the meatballs
½ cup uncooked white rice – helps keep the meatballs tender
Raisins (optional) – for a little burst of sweetness

How to Make Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

Learning how to make unstuffed cabbage rolls is simpler than you think, and this recipe makes it truly foolproof. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together easily in one pot, perfect for any night of the week. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Making the Soup Base

First, grab your largest stock pot or Dutch oven. You’ll want plenty of room for everything to simmer beautifully. Add the 1 large onion, diced, and the 2 lbs green cabbage, chopped. Pour in the 15 oz tomato sauce, the 28 oz canned tomatoes, with juice, and 1 cup water. For that signature sweet and sour profile, stir in the ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup lemon juice, and ⅓ cup brown sugar. Don’t forget the 1 tsp Hungarian paprika for a subtle warmth. Give it all a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This initial heating step helps meld the flavors before we add the meatballs.

Preparing and Adding the Meatballs

While the soup base heats up, let’s make the meatballs. In a separate bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef or turkey with 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp salt, 1 egg, ½ cup grated onion, and ½ cup uncooked white rice. I find using my hands is the best way to mix these ingredients until they’re just combined – overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Now, roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls. As the soup base reaches a boil, carefully drop these meatballs directly into the pot. They’ll start to cook and firm up as soon as they hit the hot liquid. This method is a key part of how to make unstuffed cabbage rolls successfully.

Simmering to Perfection

Once all the meatballs are nestled in the pot, it’s time for the magic of slow simmering. Reduce the heat to low, so the soup is just gently bubbling, and cover the pot tightly. Let it simmer for a full 2 hours. This long, slow cook is essential for tenderizing the cabbage and allowing the flavors to deepen and marry. The meatballs will become incredibly tender and soak up all that delicious sweet and sour broth. After 2 hours, remove the lid. If you’re using optional raisins, now’s the time to stir them in. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 30 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you it’s almost ready!

Pro Tips for the Best Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

To elevate your Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage from good to absolutely amazing, try these tried-and-true tips. They ensure a perfectly balanced flavor and tender texture every time.

For the most tender meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Just combine until everything is incorporated.
If you don’t have white rice, you can substitute it with breadcrumbs or even quick oats for the meatballs.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before the final simmer. You might want a little more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tang.
Don’t skip the simmering time! It’s crucial for tenderizing the cabbage and melding all the flavors into a delicious dish.

What’s the secret to perfect Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage?

The real secret to a perfect simple sweet and sour cabbage dish lies in the balance of sweet and sour elements. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the honey and lemon juice ratio before the final simmer to achieve your ideal flavor profile. This careful adjustment makes all the difference. For more tips on balancing flavors, check out this guide on balancing flavors in cooking.

Can I make Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the soup base and the meatballs separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, combine them as directed and proceed with the simmering time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage?

A common mistake is overmixing the meatball ingredients, which can lead to tough meatballs. Another pitfall is not simmering long enough, resulting in firm cabbage. If you’re making it more like a ground beef and cabbage skillet, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan during browning if you choose to sear them first. For more on cooking techniques, you might find meatball techniques helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

This hearty Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage is fantastic on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments truly makes it a complete meal. The rich, tangy cabbage and tomato sweet sour sauce is delicious spooned over a simple side of fluffy mashed potatoes or a scoop of white rice to soak up every last drop. For a bit of texture contrast, a slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth. It’s a comforting and satisfying combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table. If you’re looking for a great bread recipe, try this decadent chocolate bread.

Nutrition Facts for Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

This hearty dish offers a satisfying meal with a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 12 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 600 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of meat and added sweeteners.

How to Store and Reheat Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

This comforting dish is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy leftovers. Once cooked, let your Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage cool down completely before storing. For refrigeration, use airtight containers – it will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re looking to store it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Think of it as your secret weapon for a delicious, quick unstuffed cabbage casserole whenever you need it! For more meal prep ideas, consider this Greek chili chicken recipe.

When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For refrigerated portions, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit thick. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same stovetop method. This ensures the cabbage and meatballs are tender and the flavors are just as vibrant as when it was first made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage

What is unstuffed cabbage?

Unstuffed cabbage, or deconstructed cabbage rolls, is a dish that captures the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but without the labor-intensive process of rolling. It typically involves simmering cabbage with a meat mixture and a savory sauce, making it an incredibly approachable way to enjoy these classic tastes. For a similar comforting dish, try this creamy sausage potato chowder.

Is this a healthy sweet and sour cabbage recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be considered a relatively healthy sweet and sour cabbage option. It’s packed with vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes, and you can control the amount of sugar and sodium. Using lean ground turkey makes it even healthier. The fiber from the cabbage and the protein from the meat make it a well-rounded meal.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce base. You could also sauté a minced jalapeño with the onions at the beginning for a subtle kick that infuses the whole dish.

What kind of cabbage is best for this recipe?

Green cabbage is the standard and works wonderfully for this dish, offering a good balance of sweetness and a slight peppery bite when cooked. You could also experiment with Napa cabbage for a more tender texture, though it might require a slightly shorter simmering time.

Variations of Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for Unstuffed Sweet Sour Cabbage, don’t be afraid to get creative! This dish is wonderfully adaptable. For a delightful twist, try turning it into a sweet sour cabbage bake by layering the cooked components in a casserole dish and baking it until bubbly. If you’re seeking a quicker meal, consider a deconstructed cabbage rolls easy skillet version where you brown the meatballs first, then add the cabbage and sauce ingredients and simmer until tender. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meatballs and adding extra veggies like carrots or peas, or using plant-based ground meat alternatives. For another hearty vegetarian option, check out this tuscan white bean recipe.