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Hearty cabbage roll skillet in a cast iron pan

The Ultimate Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe


  • Author: Manson Carter
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This one-pan Cabbage Roll Skillet is cozy, budget-friendly comfort food made simple—no rolling required. Inspired by traditional unstuffed cabbage rolls, it’s packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant spices for a warm and satisfying dinner that comes together in under an hour.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb. (90% lean) ground beef

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • 1/2 cup long-grain white rice

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce

  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

  • 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

  • Large pinch of ground cinnamon

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 5 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (from a 9-oz. head)

  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill or parsley, plus more for garnish


Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.

  • Add the garlic and rice. Stir for 1 minute to slightly toast the rice.

  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

  • Add the chopped cabbage—it will seem like a lot, but it will cook down.

  • Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the rice is tender and cabbage is soft.

 

  • Stir in fresh dill or parsley just before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

  • To reduce carbs, substitute white rice with cauliflower rice.

  • Taste too tangy? Add a pinch more sugar.

 

  • This reheats well—perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Eastern European Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: cabbage roll skillet, unstuffed cabbage, one-pan dinner, comfort food, easy skillet meal