If you grew up loving the cozy comfort of cabbage rolls but don’t always have the time (or patience) to roll and layer everything, this Cabbage Roll Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. It brings all the same heartwarming flavors—tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce—but in a much simpler, one-pan version. No fussy rolling or baking trays needed, just toss everything into a skillet and let the magic happen.
This is one of those meals that tastes like it simmered all day, but really comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s great for busy evenings, meal prep Sundays, or those days when you just need something filling and fuss-free. And the best part? It’s super budget-friendly and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for lunch, this one hits the spot every time.
Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Equipment: Large skillet with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, cutting board & knife
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 & Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off excess grease if necessary. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage directly into the skillet. It may look like a lot, but it will cook down nicely. Stir everything together and let the cabbage cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Mix in Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re in the mood for a little kick, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Simmer to Let Flavors Mingle
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cabbage wonderfully tender.
Cheese It Up (Optional but Recommended!)
If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle a generous handful over the top and cover for another 1–2 minutes, just until it melts into a deliciously gooey layer.
Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and dig in while it’s hot! Serve it as-is, or pair it with some crusty bread, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
- Go low-carb: Swap the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes and skip the bread on the side.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Add grains: Mix in cooked rice or quinoa at the end for a heartier dish.
- Try other meats: Ground turkey or sausage also work beautifully.
- Vegetarian version: Use lentils or plant-based ground in place of beef.
Pro Tips
- Slice cabbage thinner if you want it to melt into the sauce more like a stew.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami depth.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
- Grate in a carrot with the cabbage for a natural touch of sweetness.
Cabbage Roll Skillet
This Cabbage Roll Skillet brings together savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce in a fast, one-pan dish. It’s hearty, delicious, and ideal for busy weeknights or prepping meals ahead of time.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
Brown the Beef & Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off excess grease if necessary. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage directly into the skillet. It may look like a lot, but it will cook down nicely. Stir everything together and let the cabbage cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Mix in Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re in the mood for a little kick, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Simmer to Let Flavors Mingle
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cabbage wonderfully tender.
Cheese It Up (Optional but Recommended!)
If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle a generous handful over the top and cover for another 1–2 minutes, just until it melts into a deliciously gooey layer.
Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls and dig in while it’s hot! Serve it as-is, or pair it with some crusty bread, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you haven’t tried Tony Chachere’s seasoning yet, you’re missing a game-changer. I use it on everything from avocado toast to scrambled eggs and pasta. But no worries if it’s not in your pantry—just swap in salt and your favorite seasonings.
- Time-Saving Tip: Most grocery stores carry pre-chopped onion and bell pepper in the produce section—perfect for cutting down prep time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
