skillet stuffed cabbage recipe

The Best skillet stuffed cabbage recipe

I’ve been making skillet stuffed cabbage for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite recipes. The first time I made it, I was a bit skeptical about the combination of flavors and textures, but after one bite, I was hooked.

The sweetness of the cabbage, the savory flavor of the ground meat, and the tanginess of the tomato sauce all come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. My kids love helping me prepare this recipe because they get to use their hands to fill the cabbage leaves with the tasty mixture.

We often make it for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings, but it’s also a regular weeknight staple in our household. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – we can serve it as a main course, or use it as a side dish for something like roasted chicken or pork.

Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to make, which is perfect for busy families like mine. Another benefit is that it’s quite healthy, thanks to the abundance of vegetables and lean protein in each serving.

Skillet Stuffed Cabbage

4.7 from 1836 votes

This deconstructed version of stuffed cabbage delivers all the comforting flavors in a single skillet. Savory beef and rice are simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with tender cabbage leaves for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Sauce

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf

For the Cabbage

1 small head green cabbage, cored and cut into 1-inch wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and beaten egg.
2Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter.
4Set them aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
5In the same skillet, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
6Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
7Nestle the cabbage wedges into the simmering sauce, arranging them in a single layer.
8Place the meatballs on top of and between the cabbage wedges, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce.
9Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low.
10Simmer gently for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, showing no pink in the center when tested with a knife.
11Remove the bay leaf and discard.
12Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
13Serve the stuffed cabbage hot, spooning extra sauce over each portion.

🔧Equipment

Large deep skillet with lid
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce and ensure the rice is certified gluten-free.

Watch Video Of How Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Works

Skillet stuffed cabbage is always a good idea for any occasion – whether we’re celebrating a special event or just need a comforting meal on a weeknight.

One reason why this recipe works so well is that it’s incredibly easy to customize – we can add different spices or herbs to suit our tastes, or swap out ingredients if we’re out of something essential.

When storing leftovers, we like to portion them out into individual containers so everyone gets their own serving – this makes reheating super easy when we need a quick dinner fix.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Stuffed Cabbage

Q: What type of cabbage should I use for this recipe?

For skillet stuffed cabbage, you’ll want to use green cabbage leaves – they’re typically easier to work with than red cabbage leaves and have a milder flavor.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Sure thing! If you prefer ground beef, you can use it in place of ground turkey in this recipe. Just keep in mind that ground beef will add a bit more fat and calories to each serving.

Q: How do I store leftover skillet stuffed cabbage?

Any leftover skillet stuffed cabbage should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and consumed within three to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling mixture up to a day in advance – just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and cook the cabbages.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ground meat and is not suitable for vegetarians. However, you could easily adapt it to be vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with additional vegetables or beans.

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