Cabbage Roll in a Bowl – Easy Skillet Meal

Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy and delicious skillet meal will be a new favorite in your home! Cabbage roll in a bowl is quick and easy take on a classic cabbage roll, and it will make dinner a breeze. It’s fast to put together and full of rich flavor and wonderful nutrition.

Skillet meals are my favorite! I love being able to cook an entire dish in one skillet and then put it right on the table to serve.

Full of meat and vegetables, cabbage roll in a bowl is one of the best skillet meals. It’s so healthy and quick, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My whole family loves it!

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Easy recipe – This is one of the best recipes to make when you’re in a hurry. It comes together so quickly!

Hearty dinner – The ground beef and cabbage is smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce that everyone will love.

All-in-one meal – With lots of meat and vegetables, this is a one-dish meal!

Skillet recipe – This dish is made in one skillet which means fewer dishes.

Quick version of cabbage rolls – If you love cabbage rolls but don’t have time to make them, this is the perfect simple alternative!

Cheap meal – Ground beef is the cheapest cut of beef available and cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables, making this a wonderful budget meal.

What is a Cabbage Roll?

Cabbage rolls are a popular dish in various areas of the world including certain parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are made by wrapping a flavorful meat and tomato sauce mixture in a cabbage leaf.

Depending on the location, they can be made with beef, pork, or lamb, and they may also include rice. There are numerous other variations throughout the world such as including more vegetables or different seasonings.

No matter where or how cabbage rolls are served, they are a classic symbol of homey comfort.

How to Store Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat on the stove on low to medium heat.

Can I Freeze Cabbage Roll in a Bowl?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers or make it in advance as a freezer meal. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may be slightly mushier when thawed.

To freeze, let cool completely and place in an airtight container. You can store it in the freezer for 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove on low to medium heat.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Don’t drain the fat – Most versions of this recipe say to drain the fat, but we don’t want to remove all that delicious flavor. Besides, quality beef fat isn’t the enemy it used to be considered.

Use broth – While you could use water to provide the liquid needed for this recipe, broth is far superior when it comes to flavor and nutrition. My favorite is homemade bone broth!

Let it simmer – It’s delicious served right away, but if it’s done early enough for you to let it simmer on the stove for a few minutes, it’ll only make the flavors richer and more complex.

Tools You May Need

Measuring cups and spoons

Cutting board

Knife

Spatula

Large stainless steel skillet with lid

Garlic press

This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure  here.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Ground beef – If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or pork instead.

Cabbage head – You can substitute a bag of coleslaw blend instead.

Onion – Adds more flavor to the meat.

Canned diced tomatoes – For additional flavor and more vegetables in the dish.

Bone broth – You can substitute regular beef broth if you need to.

Tomato paste – Adds a little more rich tomato flavor.

Garlic cloves – Everything’s better with garlic!

Spices – Choose quality spices without additives or fillers.

Salt – Sea salt or Himalayan

How to Make Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

First, chop the onion and shred the cabbage.

Then, place the meat and onion in a large skillet and brown the meat over medium heat.

Once the meat is done, crush the garlic and add it to the skillet. Let it cook for about a minute.

Then add the diced tomatoes, bone broth, tomato paste, spices, and salt, and stir to combine.

Next place the shredded cabbage on top (don’t stir) and put the lid on the skillet. Cook until the cabbage begins to wilt, approximately 8 minutes.

Once the cabbage is cooked, remove the lid and stir the cabbage into the rest of the mixture.

You can serve it immediately or turn the stove down to low heat and simmer until you’re ready to eat.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

More Ground Beef Recipes

Gluten-Free Meatloaf (No Eggs & No Dairy)

Simple Gluten-Free Salisbury Steak without Eggs or Dairy

Gluten-Free Meatballs (No Eggs & No Dairy)

Sweet Potato Cottage Pie