All the comfort of classic cabbage rolls—without the fuss
Traditional cabbage rolls are undeniably comforting, but they can be time-consuming. This One-Skillet Cabbage Roll Casserole with Beef captures everything people love about the classic dish—tender cabbage, savory beef, tomato-rich sauce, and warming spices—while streamlining the process into a single pan. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want real comfort food with minimal cleanup.
Why This One-Skillet Version Works
Instead of rolling individual cabbage leaves, all the ingredients cook together. The cabbage softens directly in the sauce, the beef stays juicy, and the rice absorbs all that savory flavor. Fewer steps, deeper flavor, and just one pan to wash—what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14–15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Stir in paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the spices bloom in the hot pan for about 30 seconds to intensify their flavor.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet—it will look like a lot, but it cooks down quickly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid
Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle.
Serve hot on its own or with crusty bread for dipping.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Brown the beef well for deeper flavor
- Add a splash of broth if the mixture thickens too much
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
- Comforting without being heavy
- One pan = easy cleanup
- Affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Simple to customize with spices or extra veggies
Final Thoughts
One-Skillet Cabbage Roll Casserole with Beef delivers the soul of a traditional recipe with the practicality modern cooking demands. It’s warm, filling, and deeply satisfying—proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to feel like home.
