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Ready to shake up your dinner routine? Three words: Hungarian unstuffed cabbage. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. And with our step-by-step photos to guide you, it’s a guaranteed winner!

A white plate filled with rice and Hungarian unstuffed cabbage and topped with crème fraîche
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Your New Go-To Dinner

This is my favorite recipe of all time. That’s right, I said it. I picked a favorite child, and this is it. Her name is Hungarian unstuffed cabbage.

We’re taking everything delicious about Hungarian stuffed cabbage—smoky paprika, zingy sauerkraut, tender “beef,” and crème fraîche—and making it way quicker and easier.

Instead of wrestling with cabbage leaves, you’ll just toss everything into one pan. The result? A healthy, low-carb yet hearty, and downright irresistible meal that warms you from the inside out.

A white plate filled with rice and Hungarian unstuffed cabbage and topped with crème fraîche

Let’s Talk Ingredients

You won’t need much to make a vegetarian Hungarian unstuffed cabbage. Jump to the recipe card for exact measurements (this is just an overview!).

  • Rice: I used white rice here, but jasmine or brown rice will work, too. To serve, we’ll heap the unstuffed cabbage on top of our rice!
  • Onion: We’ll add onion (white or yellow) for a punch of savory flavor.
  • Ground Beef: For the meat portion, you can use Beyond Burger, Impossible Burger, or make your own vegan ground beef! Traditional recipes call for real meat, but plant-based options work splendidly here.
  • Sauerkraut: Include some intensely zingy flavor with sauerkraut (find out how to make sauerkraut here!).
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a great smoky flavor in proper Hungarian form. (Aim for the best paprika you can find—the flavor shines through here!)
  • Bouillon: Next, include a cube or teaspoon of vegetable bouillon.
  • Apple: Diced green apple adds a delicious, tart flavor and some crunch.
  • Bell Pepper: We’ll throw in a diced green pepper for a fresh element.
A white plate filled with rice and Hungarian unstuffed cabbage and topped with crème fraîche

Making This Dish Is Super Easy

Got 20 minutes? That’s all you need to make this Hungarian unstuffed cabbage! Jump to the recipe card for the full printable instructions.

Step 1: Prepare The Rice
To begin, prepare the rice according to the instructions on the package, as this usually takes the longest to cook.

Step 2: Cook The Onion
Heat the oil in a large pot or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it becomes slightly soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown The Beef
Add the crumbled plant-based beef and continue cooking.

A skillet filled with white onion and uncooked plant-based ground meat
Let the onions and plant-based beef brown a bit before adding any liquids to build a rich flavor foundation.

Step 4: Cook The Rest
Stir in the sauerkraut, paprika, and bouillon. Cook for another few minutes, then stir in the apple and pepper and remove from the heat.

A skillet filled with white onion, uncooked plant-based ground meat, and seasonings
Give the sauerkraut a quick drain or pat dry to keep your dish from turning soggy.
A skillet filled with unstuffed cabbage, diced green apple, and diced green bell pepper
Between the sauerkraut and paprika, flavors can get a little intense here, so taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking along the way.

Step 5: Top And Serve
Serve your Hungarian unstuffed cabbage over rice, topped with crème fraîche, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt!

A white plate filled with rice and Hungarian unstuffed cabbage and topped with crème fraîche
Enjoy your unstuffed cabbage as a filling main or even serve it up as an appetizer.

Can’t Get Enough Cabbage?

A plate featuring Hungarian unstuffed cabbage with stewed vegetables and meat over rice, topped with a creamy white sauce. Surrounding items include glass bowls, green pepper, an apple, and a bowl of red spice.
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Hungarian Unstuffed Cabbage

By: Sarah Bond
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ready to shake up your dinner routine? Three words: Hungarian unstuffed cabbage. It's a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. And with our step-by-step photos to guide you, it's a guaranteed winner!

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup rice, 200 g
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, 15 mL
  • 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
  • 16 oz plant-based ground beef, like Beyond Beef or Impossible Burger, 450 g
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained, 250 g
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp vegetable bouillon base, or 1 bouillon cube
  • 1 green apple, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • To serve: crème fraîche or sour cream
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Instructions 

  • Rice: Prepare rice according to the instructions on the package.
  • Onion: Heat the oil in a large pot or saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until slightly soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Beef: Add crumbled plant-based beef. Continue cooking until "beef" begins to brown, about 7 minutes.
    A frying pan containing minced meat and onions, ready to be transformed into a savory Hungarian unstuffed cabbage delight.
  • Flavor It Up: Stir in the sauerkraut, paprika, and bouillon. Cook for another 5 minutes to help blend the flavors. Stir in the apple and pepper, then remove from heat.
    A frying pan filled with chopped cucumbers on one side and cooked, seasoned minced meat reminiscent of Hungarian unstuffed cabbage on the other.
  • Serve: Serve over rice, topped with crème fraîche.
    Plates of rice topped with a spiced vegetable and meat mixture reminiscent of Hungarian unstuffed cabbage, garnished with cream, surrounded by bowls of spices and empty glasses.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 55.8g | Protein: 26.7g | Fat: 13.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 973mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 4.4g | Sugar: 9.4g | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
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4 Comments

  1. Mary LUX says:

    I prefer to print the recipe before trying it but I do not see a place on your site that says ‘print’ or has a symbol of a printer.

    Reply
    1. Sarah says:

      There should be a “print” option right above the ingredients list in the recipe card! 😀

  2. Veronika Kisfalvi says:

    Hello! There is no indication in the recipe about any liquid to be added. I’m sure I have to add some, otherwise I don’t think the rice will cook! Please advise, thanks!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Bond says:

      Hi Veronika! In step 1 you prepare rice according to instructions on the package, so just add the amount of water as listed on the package 🙂 I’d love to hear how it goes!