Cabbage Roll Skillet (One-Pan Comfort Dinner)
If you love classic cabbage rolls but hate the time-consuming rolling and stuffing, this Cabbage Roll Skillet delivers all the same cozy flavors in a quick, one-pan meal. It’s hearty, saucy, budget-friendly, and ready in under an hour — perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 3 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Add Cabbage and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped cabbage, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt.
4. Add Tomatoes, Sauce & Broth
Pour in:
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
Stir everything well.
5. Add the Rice
Add the uncooked white rice directly into the skillet.
Mix well so the rice is fully submerged in the sauce.
6. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
7. Final Touch
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- Add shredded cheese on top for a cheesy version.
- Serve with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips for Best Results
- Use extra broth if the skillet dries out before the rice finishes cooking.
- Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.