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High-Protein Cabbage Roll Skillet

High-Protein Cabbage Roll Skillet

This High-Protein Cabbage Roll Skillet has all the cozy flavor of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the rolling or baking. Made in one pan with seasoned ground beef or turkey, tender cabbage, tomato sauce, rice, and a creamy protein boost from cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, it is an easy, budget-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef ground turkey, or ground chicken
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small head green cabbage chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 ounces
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup cooked rice brown rice, or cauliflower rice
  • ½ cup cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar optional
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Brown the meat.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Cook the aromatics.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the cabbage.
  • Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.
  • Season the skillet.
  • Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the cabbage and meat are evenly coated with seasoning.
  • Add the sauce.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is combined.
  • Simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.
  • Add rice and creamy protein.
  • Stir in the cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Remove the skillet from high heat, then gently fold in the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
  • Add cheese, if using.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top. Cover for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
  • Serve.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
  • Ground turkey or chicken makes the recipe lighter, while ground beef gives it a more classic cabbage roll flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version.
  • For best texture, do not overcook the cabbage. It should be tender but not mushy.
  • If using Greek yogurt, stir it in at the end over low heat to prevent curdling.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.