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A scoop of filling from the cabbage roll skillet.
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Cabbage Roll Skillet (No Rolling)

All the flavors of classic cabbage rolls made simple in one pan. A bold, saucy skillet dinner that's finished with melty cheddar and stretches into easy leftovers.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Keyword cabbage roll skillet, unstuffed cabbage rolls
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings or 8-10 over rice
Calories 316kcal
Author Jamie

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if meat is lean
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • ½ medium yellow onion
  • 1 green bell pepper optional, use ½ if large
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • ¼ medium head of cabbage cored and roughly chopped

Spices + Finishings

  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • tablespoon flour or GF Flour (to thicken)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, plus more if desired

Instructions

  • Brown the meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If there's excess grease, drain lightly.
    1 pound ground beef (or turkey), 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Build the base flavor: Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring on occasion. Then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant.
    ½ medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic
  • Add cabbage and tomatoes: Pour in the undrained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, spices, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan and mix everything together, then add the cabbage. The skillet may be very full, but stir a little if you can and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring on occasion.
    28 ounces canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ medium head of cabbage
  • Adjust the texture: Sprinkle in 1½ tablespoons of flour (or GF flour) and stir well. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to thicken.
    1½ tablespoon flour
  • Finish with cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Broil for 1-3 minutes on high to melt the cheese. Watch closely to prevent burning. Serve warm alone or over rice.
    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Gluten-Free: Worcestershire sauce can contain gluten, so pick a gluten-free variety if needed. French's has a gluten-free version and Lea & Perrins is gluten-free in the USA at the time of publishing this, but not in the UK or Canada — always double check

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 596mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 2mg