Description
This Cabbage Roll Skillet recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef simmered with tomato sauce, tender cabbage, and flavorful seasonings combines with cooked rice for a hearty, one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- ½ lb ground beef
- Salt & ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ small onion, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or more, to taste)
- 1 small head cabbage, sliced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Other
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ¼ cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking and stirring until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, low-sodium beef broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage on top, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Incorporate cooked rice: Stir in the cooked rice and continue to heat the skillet for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to warm through.
- Serve: Serve the cabbage roll skillet hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired for extra creaminess and tang.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Brown sugar balances the acidity of tomato sauce; adjust amount according to taste preference.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat nicely on stove or microwave.
- Sour cream topping is optional but adds richness and flavor contrast.
