Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

This quick skillet meal contains the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but it’s so much easier to make! Ground beef, crushed tomatoes, cabbage, and lots of seasoning sauté together for a satisfying dinner.

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been republished with all new photos.

Okay so this is one of those meals that maybe doesn’t look the prettiest. I know, I know. But you’re just going to have to trust me that this unstuffed cabbage roll recipe tastes incredible. It has big bold flavor that more than makes up for its unsexy appearance.

And talk about easy. Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls can be intimidating and require a lot of work. Next time you’re craving them try this version instead! It’s a lot less work and cooks in a fraction of the time. Cabbage, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce simmer together in a single skillet. This is tasty comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The whole family will approve!

Since this is a one pot meal you can enjoy it as is. You can also add a veggie side dish or serve over rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) if you like.

Ingredients for Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

• Lean ground beef: I recommend lean ground beef for this easy recipe. You can also use another ground meat like ground chicken or ground turkey if you prefer.
• Minced garlic: You can mince your own fresh garlic cloves or use a jarred variety.
• Olive or avocado oil: Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil helps us get the cabbage deliciously tender. You can also use any high quality neutral oil.
• Green cabbage: You need a small head of cabbage to fill out this skillet meal. We’ll chop or shred the cabbage into small pieces before cooking. (Large chunks will increase the cook time and overpower each bite so we don’t want that.)
• Canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes quickly help us achieve the texture and flavor we want for the tangy tomato sauce. I recommend fire-roasted if it’s available in your grocery store.
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes are the only seasonings you need to give this dish the best flavor.

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

Add ground beef to a large skillet on the stovetop. Use your spatula to crumble the beef. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is almost completely browned. Then add the minced garlic. Stir. Sauté until garlic is golden in color and beef is cooked through. If your beef isn’t very lean you may want to drain the grease. Remove the meat mixture from skillet and set aside.

Add oil to skillet. Add shredded or chopped cabbage and let cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is close to tender.

Reduce to medium heat. Add cooked beef and canned crushed tomatoes back to skillet and stir until combined with cabbage. Season and simmer until everything is warmed and cabbage is tender. Now this delicious meal is ready to enjoy! Taste and adjust seasonings based on your own preferences. If you want a little bit of spice top with hot sauce!

How to Chop and Shred Cabbage

For this recipe you can either chop your cabbage into squares or shred it into thin ribbons. Here’s how you do both so take your pick!

1. Remove any tattered outer cabbage leaves.
2. Cut the cabbage in half or in quarters.
3. Carefully cut out the core and discard.
4. Place the cabbage (halved or quartered) so flat side is touching the cutting board. To shred, complete step 5. To chop, skip step 5 and jump to step 6.
5. If you want to shred your cabbage: Slice into shreds that are about about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide.
6. If you want to chop your cabbage into small squares: Slice into shreds that are about 1 inch wide. Chop shreds into thirds or fourths (depending on how long your shreds are) to create smaller square pieces that are about 1 x 1.

How to Store Leftovers

Want to enjoy this unstuffed cabbage recipe the next day or later in the week? This meal is great for meal prep! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

This cabbage stir fry recipe is designed to be a complete meal so you can enjoy as is. If you want to keep it low carb but make it a bit heartier try serving it over cauliflower rice. I love this on whole grains like white rice or brown rice too.

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