The Cabbage Roll Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—minus the fuss! This dish is layered with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, garlic, plump tomatoes, a handful of spices, and perfectly cooked rice, coming together in less than an hour for a meal that tastes like it cooked all day. Every spoonful is hearty and delicious, with sweet tomato tang and aromatic herbs blended in, and it’s made even better by how easy cleanup is. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew on a weeknight or looking for leftovers-to-love the next day, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cabbage Roll Skillet are simple kitchen staples, but together they create incredible flavor and comfort. Each component plays a role—think umami from beef, vibrancy from herbs, and lush sweetness from tomatoes—making this dish both quick and deeply satisfying.

Olive oil: Adds a luscious base for browning and brings out the flavor in the beef and onions.
Ground beef or ground turkey: Delivers heartiness and protein—the classic foundation for savory cabbage rolls.
Onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out every bite.
Garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth that’s essential for building bold, homey flavor.
Green cabbage (chopped): Offers tender-crisp texture and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Tomato sauce: Provides rich, tangy body that brings everything together.
Diced tomatoes: Add juicy bites and a touch of brightness—try fire-roasted for extra flavor!
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato punch for extra savoriness and thickens the sauce.
Paprika: Gives mild smokiness and boosts the dish’s inviting color.
Dried oregano: Lends Mediterranean aroma and a peppery touch.
Dried thyme: Brings earthiness that pairs beautifully with the cabbage and tomato.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor on your fork.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and balances the sweet tomatoes.
Cooked rice: Makes the skillet filling and satisfying—use short or long grain, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens umami and ties the savory-sweet notes together.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Finishes things off with a burst of color and a pop of freshness.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your ground beef or turkey and the diced onion. Let them cook together, stirring occasionally, until the meat browns and the onion turns translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the savory backbone of the entire Cabbage Roll Skillet, and those little caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan? That’s big flavor waiting to happen!

Step 2: Add Garlic for Extra Depth

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. The aroma will tell you when it’s ready—don’t rush this part. Garlic adds a layer of mellow sharpness that’s the heart of home-cooked meals, and it preps the skillet for the next round of flavors.

Step 3: Pile in the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Next, toss in the chopped cabbage along with the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. The skillet might seem full, but the cabbage will cook down dramatically. Add the paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper, and give everything a thorough stir so all those flavors swirl together. Let it come to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer until Tender

Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then. The cabbage will soften, the sauce will thicken, and the herby tomato aroma will fill your kitchen. Patience lets every ingredient meld, creating the soul-warming flavors that define a great Cabbage Roll Skillet.

Step 5: Finish with Rice and Worcestershire

Uncover the skillet, stir in the cooked rice and splash in the Worcestershire sauce. Let everything heat for another 5 minutes, so the rice absorbs the savory sauce and rounds out the whole dish. The Worcestershire is a game-changer here—don’t skip it!

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Parsley

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. It’s not just a garnish; it brings out all the bright flavors and adds a burst of color that makes the Cabbage Roll Skillet look downright irresistible.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Skillet

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped parsley is classic, but you could also dollop sour cream or sprinkle on a bit of grated Parmesan or sharp white cheddar right before serving. These simple touches add a little creaminess or tang, making each bite extra special and letting your guests customize their bowls.

Side Dishes

Because Cabbage Roll Skillet is so hearty, pair it with something light and fresh—try a crisp green salad or tangy cucumber-dill salad. A slice of rustic bread is fantastic for scooping up extra sauce, and for a full-on comfort meal, you can’t beat some roasted potatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cabbage Roll Skillet family-style right from the pan, or try spooning it into individual bowls topped with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. For parties, you can scoop portions into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve over buttered noodles for a unique twist. However you present it, this dish brings a smile to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cabbage Roll Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge, actually tasting even better after a day as the flavors deepen and mingle. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy within 4 days for best results—just scoop, reheat, and savor.

Freezing

This skillet is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re in for a quick, comforting meal anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm leftover Cabbage Roll Skillet in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. Alternatively, microwave single servings, stirring halfway through, until hot. The cabbage softens a little more, but the flavors just get richer.

FAQs

Can I make Cabbage Roll Skillet vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for lentils or a plant-based ground, and use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire if you’re keeping it vegan. You maintain all that lovely flavor without any meat.

What if I want a low-carb version?

Try cauliflower rice! It blends in seamlessly and gives you all the texture and flavor of the original Cabbage Roll Skillet, just without the starches. Bonus: it makes the dish even speedier to prepare.

Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?

Yes! The flavor will be a bit earthier, and the color is truly stunning. Just be aware the finished dish will have a vibrant look—fun for a twist, especially if you’re serving guests.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Make sure to choose a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check your rice and tomato products. The rest of the Cabbage Roll Skillet is naturally gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Just use a very large skillet or Dutch oven. The Cabbage Roll Skillet leftovers are always a hit for lunch the next day, so making extra is never a bad idea.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug but fits your busy schedule, the Cabbage Roll Skillet is the answer. It’s comfort food at its easiest—and once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular dinner rotation.

Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cabbage Roll Skillet recipe is a simplified, one-pan version of the classic cabbage rolls. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Skillet:

1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook Meat and Onions: Add ground beef and onion, cook until browned and onion is softened.
Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, then add cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes.
Finish Dish: Stir in cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, cook for 5 more minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.