If you love the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls but dread the time-consuming task of stuffing each one, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet is the perfect solution. This one-pan dish delivers all the savory, hearty flavors of classic cabbage rolls—ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and spices—without the fuss. It’s a weeknight-friendly meal that’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil Cooked rice, for serving (optional) Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Mix in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let the skillet simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook until the cabbage is tender but still slightly firm and the flavors are well combined.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the unstuffed cabbage roll mixture over cooked rice if desired.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Keep the cabbage slightly firm for a better texture. Overcooking can make it mushy.
Add a Little Sweetness: A teaspoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
Customize Your Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version.
Make Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet has all the flavor of classic stuffed cabbage rolls—savory meat, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce—without the tedious labor of rolling individual cabbage leaves. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in one pan, saving time without sacrificing flavor.