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Easy Cabbage Roll Skillet (30-Minute One-Pan Dinner)

This easy cabbage roll skillet delivers the cozy flavor of classic cabbage rolls without the rolling. Made in one pan with seasoned ground beef, tender chopped cabbage, instant rice, and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s a quick 30-minute dinner that’s filling, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 5 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the skillet base

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small head green cabbage chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 medium carrot grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the sauce and rice

  • 1.25 cups chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup instant white rice

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt divided
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper divided

To finish

  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Brown the beef and soften the vegetables

  • Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.
  • Stir in the chopped cabbage and sauté for 2 minutes to start softening it.

Simmer the cabbage in tomato broth

  • Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the seasoning salt, paprika, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.

Finish with cream and rice

  • Stir in the heavy cream and instant white rice. Bring to a small boil.
  • Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir once more and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • If your skillet seems dry after adding the rice, splash in a little extra broth and continue simmering until the rice is tender.
  • Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it softens evenly and is easier to eat.
  • Leftovers reheat best with a tablespoon or two of broth stirred in to loosen the sauce.