Cabbage Roll Skillet – A Quick and Hearty One-Pan Comfort
Cabbage Roll Skillet is a hearty one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, onions, garlic, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this simplified version offers all the comforting flavors without the extra preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, it is easy to customize with different meats, grains, or vegetables. With wholesome ingredients, rich flavor, and minimal cleanup, this skillet meal is a delicious and practical addition to any dinner menu.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–6 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Green cabbage offers the best texture and flavor.
- Lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease.
- Brown rice may be substituted but requires additional cooking time.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth of flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Allow the skillet to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers become even more flavorful overnight.
- Freeze individual portions for easy future meals.