Cabbage Roll Skillet: Easy Keto Ground Beef Dinner Recipe

If you love traditional cabbage rolls but don't have the time to prepare and roll them individually, this Cabbage Roll Skillet is the perfect solution! 

It's an easy, one-pan meal that brings all the delicious flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the extra effort. Made with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice, this recipe is both hearty and satisfying. Plus, with a few tweaks, you can easily make it keto-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

• Delicious and Comforting: Packed with flavor from tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, and savory tomatoes.

• Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the rice or swap it for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

• Affordable Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and budget-friendly produce.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped

• 1 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for keto)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for extra depth of flavor)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)

How to Make Cabbage Roll Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir well. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. If using Worcestershire sauce, add it now. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

Step 5: Stir in the Rice

Once the cabbage is soft, stir in the cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a keto version). Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and let it melt before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Keto Adaptation

To make this dish low-crab and keto-friendly, simply replace the rice with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely. The dish will still be rich and hearty without the extra carbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

• Pair it with a side salad for extra greens.

• Enjoy with keto bread or dinner rolls if you’re not strictly low-crab.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove top over low heat or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or even ground pork works great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor, so you may want to adjust the seasoning.

2. How do I make this recipe spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.

4. What can I substitute for rice?

For keto, use cauliflower rice. If you’re not on a low-crab diet, quinoa or brown rice are excellent alternatives.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are great additions to boost the nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Skillet is a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them. It's easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to different dietary needs. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight meal or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and let us know how you like it!