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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
