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lazy cabbage rolls on a blue grey plate with a dotted lining around the edge, 2 meatballs on a bed of cabbage and a bit potatoes

Lazy cabbage rolls

These Lazy Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort food recipe, bringing together tender cabbage, juicy meatballs, rich tomato flavours, and golden melted cheese in one hearty oven bake. Inspired by classic Eastern European cabbage rolls, this simplified version delivers all the cosy flavours without the extra effort of rolling and stuffing cabbage leaves. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, Lazy Cabbage Rolls are wholesome, satisfying, and wonderfully easy to prepare. Serve them straight from the oven with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a meal that feels both rustic and comforting, with every spoonful packed full of flavour.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine German
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 mandoline (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp canola oil
  • 1 kg white cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp caraway seeds
  • 350 g chicken stock
  • 50 g tomato paste
  • 2 slices brwon toast
  • 50 g milk
  • 600 g beef mince
  • 10 g salt
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp hot mustard
  • 1 extra large egg
  • 4 large potaoes, precooked, peeled and cut into chuncks (optional)
  • 30 g grated parmesan or peccorino cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven
    Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Cook the Cabbage
    Heat the canola oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and sauté until lightly browned. Season with the salt and caraway seeds, and continue cooking for a few more minutes until fragrant.
  • prepare the sauce
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and tomato paste until smooth.
  • Assemble the Cabbage Base
    Transfer the cooked cabbage to an ovenproof baking dish. Pour the chicken stock and tomato mixture evenly over the cabbage and set aside.
  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture
    Place the brown bread in a bowl and pour over the milk, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid. Add the beef mince, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, hot mustard, and egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  • Shape the Meatballs
    Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on top of the cabbage mixture. An ice cream scoop, dippd in water, works well for evenly portioned meatballs.
  • Bake the Dish
    Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are just cooked through.
  • Add the Potatoes and Cheese
    Remove the dish from the oven and distribute the cooked potato chunks between the meatballs. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.
  • Finish Baking
    Return the dish to the oven and bake for a further 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
  • Serve
    Serve straight from the oven and enjoy. For an alternative variation, serve the dish with creamy mashed potatoes on the side instead of adding potatoes to the bake. This is pure comfort food.
Keyword lazy cabbage rolls