Cabbage Roll Skillet Keto Beef

This cabbage roll skillet is my favorite go-to for those nights when I want something hearty and satisfying but need dinner on the table fast. It brings all the flavor of classic cabbage rolls but skips the time and fuss of rolling and baking each one. If you love comforting one pan meals that the whole family actually finishes, this is about to be your new regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: this forms a rich savory base try to choose eighty five percent lean or higher for best balance of flavor and less grease
• Yellow onion: brings sweetness and body look for one that feels heavy and has crisp skin
• Bell pepper: adds crunch and brightness any color works but red or yellow is sweetest
• Cabbage: loaded with fiber and vitamins choose a small firm head with tightly packed leaves
• Canned diced tomatoes: these give the dish juiciness and a tangy note use a good quality brand for best flavor
• Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning: the secret to a big bold flavor if missing swap for salt and your favorite spice blend
• Garlic powder: extra savoriness you can sub in fresh minced garlic if you prefer
• Smoked paprika: brings depth and a subtle smoky finish Spanish style is excellent
• Black pepper: a mild bite grind fresh for more aroma
• Shredded cheddar cheese: helps everything hold together while adding that melty finish fresh shredded melts best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large deep skillet over medium heat for about ten minutes breaking it up with a spoon until all pink disappears and it turns brown and crumbly. If you notice more than a few tablespoons of grease gently spoon out the extra but leave a little for added flavor

Add the Vegetables:

Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Keep cooking everything together for another four minutes until the veggies begin to soften and the onions look slightly translucent. This step unlocks their sweetness and juices

Simmer With Cabbage and Tomatoes:

Add the chopped cabbage, canned diced tomatoes, Tony Chachere’s seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything up so the seasoning covers all the veggies and meat. Cover with a tight lid and let it simmer on medium low for about twenty two minutes. Open to stir a few times so nothing sticks on the bottom. The cabbage will shrink and turn tender

Finish With Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot skillet. Cover again for two to three minutes to let the cheese melt into a gooey topping. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving for easier scooping

Serve:

Spoon out straight from the pan for a complete meal or add a side of rice for extra hungry guests. Leftovers get even better the next day

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The smoked paprika might be my favorite touch because it gives a gentle warmth that ties everything together. Last Christmas Eve my sister arrived late and I had just packed this up for leftovers but we reheated it together and ended up finishing the whole skillet at midnight laughing and swapping stories around the kitchen island.

Storage Tips

This dish holds up nicely for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze for later cool the mixture completely first then store in freezer bags or covered containers for up to two months. I often make a double batch just to have lunches for the week

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if that is what you have. You can use Monterey Jack or mozzarella in place of cheddar for a different cheesy finish. For a vegetarian version try cooked lentils or plant based crumbles instead of beef

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Serving Suggestions

This skillet is a complete meal all on its own but I sometimes scoop it over steamed rice for my kids or pair with a slice of toasted keto bread for myself. If you want something green a buttery side of sauteed spinach or green beans works really well

Cultural and Historical Context

Cabbage rolls are beloved across Eastern Europe and have made their way into kitchens all over the world. This skillet style dish makes them weeknight friendly while still honoring the cozy flavors of the classic rolled and baked original

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well and bring their own unique flavors to the dish.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for pre-planned lunches or dinners.

→ What if I don't have Creole seasoning?

No problem—replace with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika or your favorite seasoning blend.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Certainly! Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini work nicely and add extra nutrition and flavor to the skillet.

→ How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit your dietary needs.