The Best Cabbage Roll Skillet
If you love classic cabbage rolls but do not love the time commitment, this cabbage roll skillet is about to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It has all the cozy, savory flavors you expect—ground beef, tender cabbage, tomato sauce, and rice—but without the rolling, stuffing, or oven babysitting.
This is one of those dinners that feels like comfort food, feeds the whole family, and only dirties one pan. Which, honestly, is a win all around.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Skillet
- One pan, minimal cleanup
- Weeknight friendly — ready in about 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have
- Family approved (even for picky eaters)
- Tastes just like traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work
It’s hearty, filling, and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
How To Make This Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe:
1. Brown the beef
In a large, deep skillet, brown the ground beef in olive oil over medium heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add onion and garlic
Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
3. Add everything else
Add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup, and seasonings. Stir well.
4. Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
5. Let it thicken
Remove the lid and let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
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What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Skillet
This is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted green beans or carrots
- A dollop of sour cream on top (highly recommended)
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freezes well for up to 2 months (this is a great recipe to make to bring when someone needs a meal!)
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through
This dish actually tastes even better the next day.
Loved this recipe? Be sure to tag us @frontporchfreshrecipes on Instagram if you made it, we can’t wait to see! Want to Pin this recipe for later? Click the Pin It button on any of the images below! Happy cooking!
One Pan Cabbage Roll Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (mined)
- 1 small head green cabbage (chopped)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef bone broth
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained, regular will work as well)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp real maple syrup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the beefHeat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté aromaticsAdd diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Build the skilletStir in chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup and seasonings.
- SimmerBring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
- Finish & serveTaste and adjust seasoning. Let sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken.
