Deconstructed Delight: Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe for a Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner
Cabbage rolls, those comforting parcels of savory meat and rice wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, are a classic for a reason. But let’s be honest, they can be a bit time-consuming to make. That’s where the cabbage roll skillet comes in! This deconstructed version captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but without all the fuss. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving that familiar, heartwarming taste.
This recipe combines ground meat, rice, cabbage, and a tangy tomato sauce, all cooked together in a skillet for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to clean up. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and seasonings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this cabbage roll skillet recipe simple to follow and utterly satisfying.
## Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Skillet
* **Quick and Easy:** Say goodbye to hours spent meticulously rolling cabbage leaves. This skillet version comes together in under an hour.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and effort.
* **Flavorful and Comforting:** All the classic cabbage roll flavors you love, without the extra work.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Made with affordable ingredients, this dish is a great way to feed a family on a budget.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious cabbage roll skillet:
* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound of ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, or a combination. Lean ground beef is recommended to avoid excess grease, but the choice is yours based on preference.
* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded or chopped. Green cabbage is traditional, but you can also use savoy cabbage for a slightly milder flavor.
* **Rice:** 1/2 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. You can also use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Pre-cooked rice will significantly decrease the cooking time, however, the texture won’t be as authentic.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce. Look for a sauce without added sugar or sodium for the best flavor and control over your recipe.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Adds texture and acidity to the sauce.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
* **Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth):** 1 cup. Provides moisture for cooking the rice and adds depth of flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Seasonings:**
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
* Optional: Bay leaf for added flavor during cooking (remember to remove it before serving)
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or wooden spoon
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your cabbage roll skillet.
**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Wash and shred or chop the cabbage. The finer you chop it, the quicker it will cook. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
* Measure out the rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
* Gather all your seasonings.
**2. Brown the Meat:**
* Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned. If using ground beef, drain off any excess grease.
**3. Sauté the Aromatics:**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**4. Add the Cabbage:**
* Stir in the shredded or chopped cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. It will reduce in volume as it cooks.
**5. Incorporate the Sauce and Rice:**
* Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, rice, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and any optional red pepper flakes or bay leaf.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
**6. Simmer and Cook:**
* Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. If using brown rice, you may need to add more broth and cook for a longer period, around 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if necessary to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
**7. Check for Doneness:**
* After the cooking time, check the rice to make sure it’s tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still crunchy, add a little more broth and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
* Remove the bay leaf, if used.
**8. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Let the cabbage roll skillet sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Serve hot, topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, and shredded cheese, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Meat Variations:** Feel free to use any ground meat you prefer. Ground chicken or turkey will make a leaner version. You can also use a combination of meats for a richer flavor.
* **Rice Variations:** Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. For a quicker cooking time, use pre-cooked rice, but add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Option:** Substitute the ground meat with lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. You can also use a spicier sausage in place of the ground meat.
* **Sweet and Sour:** For a sweet and sour twist, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or celery to the skillet.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Smoked paprika, caraway seeds, or dill are all great additions.
* **Creamy Cabbage Roll Skillet:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of the cooking time for a creamier texture.
* **Make it in a Dutch Oven:** A Dutch oven is a great alternative to a skillet. It distributes heat evenly and is perfect for simmering dishes.
* **Make it Ahead:** This cabbage roll skillet can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
## Serving Suggestions
This cabbage roll skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* A side salad
* Crusty bread or garlic bread
* Mashed potatoes
* Steamed vegetables
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
## Recipe Card
**Cabbage Roll Skillet**
A quick and easy deconstructed version of classic cabbage rolls, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef, pork, or turkey
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium head cabbage, shredded or chopped
* 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Optional: Red pepper flakes
* Optional: Bay leaf
* Optional toppings: sour cream, parsley, shredded cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the shredded or chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, rice, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes and bay leaf.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Add more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the bay leaf, if used.
7. Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, fresh parsley, and shredded cheese, if desired.
## Conclusion
The cabbage roll skillet is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll be enjoying this deconstructed delight in no time. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to savor the taste of homemade comfort!
Enjoy experimenting with the variations and customizing this recipe to your own preferences. Happy cooking!