Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time (or patience) to roll each one by hand, this Cabbage Roll Skillet is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It gathers everything you crave—tender cabbage, savory beef, aromatic veggies, and a tangy tomato base—into one irresistible one-pan meal. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you can serve up a hearty, comforting dish that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s astonishing how a few simple, humble ingredients come together to create something so flavorful in this recipe. Each one plays a unique role, from the rich base of ground beef to the vibrant finish of fresh parsley.

• Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
• Ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty, protein-packed foundation—swap for turkey to lighten it up!
• Onion: Brings sweetness and depth, softening into the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, it wakes up every bite.
• Green cabbage: The star! Chopped cabbage becomes perfectly tender and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
• Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds tang, texture, and balances the richness.
• Tomato sauce: Delivers velvety smoothness and binds everything together.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Uncooked white rice: Cooks right in the skillet, absorbing flavor and making the dish wonderfully filling.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color.
• Dried thyme: Lends an earthy, herby note that rounds out the dish.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
• Beef broth: Infuses the entire skillet with savory, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time.
• Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient for a deep, savory tang.
• Chopped parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that lifts every serving.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown completely—this step builds the savory, meaty base that makes Cabbage Roll Skillet so satisfying. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter finish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Sprinkle in your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them into the beef. Sauté for two to three minutes, just until the onion softens and the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible. This quick step infuses the whole skillet with an aromatic backbone.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Toss in your chopped cabbage and give everything a big stir. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first—cabbage cooks down dramatically and soaks up all those fabulous flavors.

Step 4: Layer in Sauces, Rice, and Spices

Now comes the magic! Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, uncooked rice, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly so every grain of rice and shred of cabbage gets coated in that savory, tomato-rich sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice will absorb the broth, the cabbage will become meltingly tender, and the whole skillet will transform into a unified, soul-warming meal. If things start to look dry, just add a splash more broth or water. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Skillet

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for the Cabbage Roll Skillet, adding brightness and a hint of earthiness. For extra flair, try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving—both add a little tang and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try pairing it with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or even buttered peas complement the flavors and bring extra color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cabbage Roll Skillet into a showstopper by serving it in individual bowls with a swirl of Greek yogurt and a scattering of fresh herbs. You can also spoon leftovers into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until bubbly for an ingenious twist on classic stuffed peppers. For a casual gathering, simply serve it family-style straight from the skillet for cozy, help-yourself vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cabbage Roll Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for another day, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Either way, it returns to its cozy, saucy self in no time.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need a bit more liquid. Add an extra 10 to 15 minutes of simmering time and check for tenderness before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The Cabbage Roll Skillet will still be hearty, flavorful, and filling.

Can I make this dish in advance?

This skillet is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to two days ahead—just store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors only get better with time.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?

Be sure to stir the skillet occasionally while it simmers and keep an eye on the liquid level. If the mixture starts to look dry before the rice is tender, add a splash of broth or water to keep things saucy and prevent sticking.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrition and color. Just chop them small so they blend seamlessly into the skillet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that brings all the flavor of classic cabbage rolls to your table without any fuss. If you’re craving a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress, give this Cabbage Roll Skillet a try—you might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!

Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cabbage Roll Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of wrapping. Ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice simmer together in a savory tomato sauce seasoned with paprika and thyme, making for a hearty and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing their fragrant flavors.
3. Cook the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped green cabbage and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the cabbage starts to soften and meld with the beef mixture.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add uncooked rice, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer and Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the mixture starts sticking. The rice should become tender and the cabbage soft.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.

Notes

• This recipe simplifies traditional cabbage rolls by eliminating the wrapping step, making it a perfect easy weeknight dish.
• For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
• You can substitute ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Eastern European, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 65mg