Let’s be honest—traditional cabbage rolls are delicious, but who really has the time (or energy) to boil cabbage, stuff it, roll it up, and then bake it? Not me. That’s why this Cabbage Roll Skillet has become one of my favorite weeknight saviors. It’s everything you love about classic cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, flavorful ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and hearty rice—all cooked together in a single pan. No rolling, no layering, and definitely no oven involved.
It’s cozy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something comforting without the fuss, this one’s for you.
Why This Dish is So Special
You know those meals that just feel like a warm hug? This is one of them. There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that’s simple, hearty, and made with love—without needing a whole afternoon in the kitchen.
What makes this Cabbage Roll Skillet so special isn’t just the taste (though, let’s be real, it’s really good). It’s the fact that it gives you all those nostalgic, cozy vibes—like Sunday dinner at grandma’s—without the hours of work. No rolling cabbage leaves, no baking pans, no complicated steps. Just one big skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and about 30 minutes of your time.
And the best part? It’s totally flexible. Got ground beef? Use it. Prefer turkey or want to go meatless? Go for it. Need to clear out the fridge? Toss in what you’ve got. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t judge—it just works with you.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Skillet
This recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s super simple—just a few everyday ingredients, one big skillet, and less than 30 minutes of your time. Here’s how to pull it all together:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease if needed. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Cabbage
Now, add your chopped cabbage right into the skillet. It’ll look like a lot at first, but don’t worry—it’ll cook down. Stir it in with the beef mixture and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens up.
Stir in the Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, you could even sprinkle in some red pepper flakes here.
Simmer and Let the Flavors Come Together
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to meld together and makes the cabbage super tender.
Add Cheese (Optional, But Delicious!)
If you’re a cheese lover, now’s the time to sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet for another minute or two until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop it into bowls and dig in! It’s hearty, filling, and tastes even better the next day. Serve it just as it is or with a side of crusty bread, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
To get the best flavor and texture from your Cabbage Roll Skillet, start with fresh cabbage—it softens perfectly and soaks up the sauce. Chop it into even pieces so it cooks evenly. Take your time browning the ground beef, too; those little golden bits add loads of flavor. Don’t worry if the cabbage seems like too much at first—it’ll cook down fast. Season as you go, tasting along the way. A pinch of Italian seasoning or a dash of paprika can really elevate things. Let it simmer low and slow at the end to bring everything together. And if you’re a cheese lover, a little melted cheese on top makes it extra cozy. Best part? It reheats like a dream—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This Cabbage Roll Skillet makes fantastic leftovers, and storing them is super easy. Simply let the skillet cool down to room temperature before transferring the dish into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well too! Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure everything heats through evenly. If you prefer the microwave, just cover the dish and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw first, then reheat as usual. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh cheese on top before reheating—it’ll melt beautifully and add that fresh, comforting finish.
FAQs about Cabbage Roll Skillet
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can easily replace the beef. You can also make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or skipping the meat altogether and adding extra vegetables.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. It also reheats well, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Skillet?
Definitely! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
How can I make this dish spicy?
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, add hot sauce, or toss in some diced jalapeños. Spice it up to your personal taste!
What should I serve with this dish?
You can keep it simple with a side salad or serve it with some crusty bread, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
The Cabbage Roll Skillet is one of those dishes that combines simplicity with big flavors, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s comforting, easy to make, and customizable to fit whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal for your family or a satisfying dish to meal prep, this skillet has you covered. And best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
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Cabbage Roll Skillet
Description
This Cabbage Roll Skillet combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce in a quick, one-pan meal. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 small head of cabbage (cored & chopped)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning (*see notes)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove excess fat if there is more than a few tablespoons (a little extra fat is ok).
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Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the cabbage, diced tomatoes and all seasoning to the pan with the ground beef. Cover with a lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do a taste test and season with additional salt or seasoning, if needed.
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Sprinkle the cheese over top and cover again until the cheese is melted.
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Enjoy alone or with rice!
Notes
- If you don’t have Tony Chachere’s, you’re missing out. I use this seasoning for just about everything including avocado toast, scrambled eggs, pasta, and more. But if you don’t have it on hand, no worries! Just be sure to replace it with some salt and other seasonings of your choice.
- Time Saving Tip: You can buy pre-diced onion and bell pepper in the produce section of most grocery stores.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Keywords: cabbage, dinner, easy meals, ground beef, healthy, keto, low carb
