Name: Cabbage Roll Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 small head of cabbage, cored and chopped; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tsp Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning (or substitute with salt and preferred seasonings); 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

A hearty and comforting one-pan meal that delivers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling and baking. This skillet dinner combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato base topped with melted cheese for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cabbage Roll Skillet transforms the labor-intensive process of making traditional cabbage rolls into an easy, one-pan meal that’s ready in under an hour. You’ll love how it captures all the familiar flavors while eliminating the tedious rolling and baking steps. It’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is also naturally low-carb while being incredibly filling and comforting. The melted cheese on top adds a delicious richness that even cabbage skeptics will appreciate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this skillet meal. It adds rich flavor and satisfying texture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though beef delivers the most traditional flavor profile.

Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef. It forms part of the aromatic foundation that flavors the entire dish.

Bell pepper contributes both color and a slight sweetness that balances the savory elements. Any color bell pepper works well, with red offering more sweetness than green varieties.

Cabbage is the star ingredient, mimicking traditional cabbage rolls without the rolling. When chopped and cooked slowly, it becomes tender and absorbs all the surrounding flavors while retaining a pleasant texture.

Diced tomatoes provide acidity, moisture, and a tomato base that’s essential to authentic cabbage roll flavor. The juices help cook the cabbage to tenderness while creating a light sauce.

Creole seasoning offers a perfect blend of spices in one convenient mix. It adds depth and a hint of heat without making the dish spicy. If unavailable, a combination of salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper works well.

Garlic powder infuses the dish with garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic during the long cooking time. It blends seamlessly into the sauce.

Smoked paprika contributes a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish. Regular paprika can be substituted but won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Black pepper adds a necessary touch of heat and seasoning that balances the other flavors.

Cheddar cheese creates an irresistible melty topping that adds richness and brings everything together. Medium or sharp cheddar works best for maximum flavor, but any good melting cheese can be substituted.

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if necessary, but a little remaining fat is fine.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juices), and all the seasonings. Mix well to combine.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet, cover again, and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve hot, either on its own or over rice if desired.

Servings and Timing

This Cabbage Roll Skillet recipe yields 6 generous servings at approximately 340 calories per serving. It’s quick to prepare with just 10 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking time, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Low-Carb Version: Serve as is without any rice or bread for a complete keto-friendly meal.

Vegetarian Cabbage Skillet: Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked brown lentils or 16 ounces of crumbled firm tofu. Add an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika for more depth.

Italian-Style: Substitute Italian seasoning for the Creole seasoning, add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and use mozzarella instead of cheddar cheese.

Tex-Mex Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and top with Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and avocado slices.

Extra Hearty Version: Add 1 cup of cooked rice directly to the skillet before adding the cheese for a complete one-dish meal.

Spicy Variation: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños with the bell pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Cabbage Roll Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.

Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating from Refrigerated: The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out, and heat until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat as directed above. If reheating directly from frozen, use a covered skillet with a few tablespoons of water over low heat, or microwave using the defrost setting first before heating on full power.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage to save time?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix works perfectly in this recipe and can save substantial prep time. You’ll need about 8-10 cups of shredded cabbage to equal one small head. If using coleslaw mix with carrots, it will add slight sweetness and extra color to the dish.

How do I prevent my cabbage roll skillet from becoming watery?

If your skillet seems too watery, simply remove the lid during the final 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. You can also add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste when adding the diced tomatoes to help thicken the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point before adding cheese, cool it, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat in a skillet and add cheese just before serving. The flavors often improve with time, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.

What can I serve with cabbage roll skillet?

While this is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For heartier appetites, serve over regular rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

Is there a way to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and peppers first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients except the cheese. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the cabbage is tender. Add cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey works excellently as a leaner alternative. Since turkey has less fat, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil when cooking the onions and peppers to maintain moisture and flavor. You might also want to increase the seasonings slightly as turkey can be milder than beef.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I adjust the seasoning?

If Creole seasoning is too spicy, substitute with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika (not smoked), and ½ teaspoon each of onion powder and dried oregano. This will provide flavor without the heat while maintaining the dish’s character.

Can I add rice directly to the skillet?

Yes, you can add 1 cup of pre-cooked rice to the skillet just before adding the cheese. If you want to cook rice directly in the skillet, add ¾ cup uncooked rice and an additional 1½ cups of beef broth when you add the tomatoes, and extend the cooking time by about 15 minutes.

How finely should I chop the cabbage?

For the best texture and cooking time, chop the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces. Too small and they’ll become mushy; too large and they won’t cook through in the specified time. Aim for pieces similar to what you’d expect in a traditional cabbage roll.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils, 2 cups of cooked quinoa, or 16 ounces of crumbled firm tofu. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and increase the smoked paprika to 1 tablespoon for more depth of flavor. Use vegetable broth if additional liquid is needed.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Skillet brilliantly captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls while eliminating the tedious preparation. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don’t have the time for elaborate cooking. The combination of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese creates a satisfying one-pan meal that the whole family will enjoy. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this skillet meal is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation for its flavor, simplicity, and hearty appeal.

Cabbage Roll Skillet