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Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Cabbage Roll Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that brings the flavors of classic cabbage rolls into a simplified, skillet-cooked dish. Ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and aromatic spices combine with tender cabbage in a flavorful, saucy mix that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. (90% lean) ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 5 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (from a 9-oz. head)
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Grains

  • 1/2 cup long-grain white rice

Tomato and Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Spices and Seasonings

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • Large pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Herbs

  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill or parsley, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully cooked, browned, and the onions are tender, about 8 minutes.
  2. Toast Rice and Garlic: Add the rice and chopped garlic to the skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally until the rice is lightly toasted and the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add Tomato Mixture and Spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Simmer with Cabbage: Bring the mixture to a boil, then arrange the chopped cabbage evenly over the rice mixture in the skillet. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer undisturbed until the rice and cabbage are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 22 to 25 minutes.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet lid, sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill, and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
  • Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can use parboiled rice; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the spices.
  • Serve this skillet dish with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute tamari sauce.

Keywords: cabbage roll skillet, one-pan meal, ground beef rice skillet, easy dinner recipe, comfort food