Easy Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (One-Pot Recipe)
These easy vegan unstuffed cabbage rolls are made in one pot with cabbage, rice, potatoes, and tomato sauce. Cozy, hearty, and perfect for weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Vegetables & Greens
- 1 small green cabbage chopped
- 1 cup chopped greens kale, collards, or spinach
- 1 medium potato diced
- 1 medium sweet potato diced
Protein & Grains
- 12 oz vegan ground Nutcase or similar
- ¾ cup uncooked rice white or brown*
- Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2½ cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds optional but classic
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- *If using brown rice see tips below.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Brown the Vegan Ground
- Add the vegan ground to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly. This step builds flavor and gives the dish that classic cabbage roll heartiness.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Stir in chopped cabbage, potato, sweet potato, and greens. It may look like a lot at first, but cabbage cooks down significantly. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring to coat everything in flavor.
Step 4: Add Rice, Tomato Sauce & Seasonings
- Add the uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and all seasonings. Stir well. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
- Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until: Rice is cooked. Potatoes are fork-tender. Cabbage is soft and flavorful. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.
Step 6: Taste & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or black pepper.