This Paleo Whole30 Cabbage Roll in a Bowl is an easy, comforting way to enjoy the flavor of cabbage rolls without stuffing, rolling, or baking individual leaves. It is a quick and healthy dinner made with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, onion, and simple seasonings. This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy free, filling, and full of savory flavor. Instructions are included for both the Instant Pot and the stove top.
Cabbage rolls are classic comfort food, but they can take a lot of time to prepare. You have to soften the cabbage leaves, make the filling, roll everything carefully, and then cook it all together. This cabbage roll in a bowl keeps the same hearty ingredients and familiar flavor, but turns the process into a simple one-pot meal. It is especially useful for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want a nourishing dinner without extra steps.
The texture is somewhere between a thick soup and a saucy stir-fry. It is not overly brothy, but it is still moist, hearty, and spoonable. If you prefer it closer to soup, you can add a little more liquid while cooking. If you like it thicker, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes after cooking so some of the liquid reduces. Either way, the result is a warm, satisfying bowl packed with vegetables and protein.
This recipe makes a generous amount, which makes it great for leftovers. The cabbage may look like a lot at first, especially with about 16 cups chopped, but it cooks down significantly. Once it softens and blends with the beef, tomatoes, onion, coconut aminos, paprika, and oregano, everything comes together into a flavorful and balanced meal. It reheats well, so it is a practical option for lunches throughout the week or for feeding a larger group.
Traditional cabbage rolls often include rice, but this Paleo Whole30 version leaves it out to keep the dish grain free and Whole30-friendly. The recipe is still hearty enough without it because of the ground beef and large amount of cabbage. If you are not following Paleo or Whole30 and want to add cooked rice, you can stir it in at the end before serving.
You will enjoy this Paleo Whole30 Cabbage Roll in a Bowl if you like simple, cozy meals that do not require much hands-on time. It is flavorful, vegetable-packed, and easy to adjust depending on how saucy or thick you like it. The Instant Pot version is especially quick, while the stove-top method is just as straightforward and uses a large stock pot.
You may also enjoy a Paleo Whole30 Egg Roll in a Bowl if you like easy one-bowl dinners made with cabbage and ground meat.
Hungry for more? Save this recipe for an easy gluten-free, dairy-free dinner that works well for meal prep.
Paleo Whole30 Cabbage Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds grass-fed ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 large head of cabbage, core removed and chopped (about 16 cups chopped)
Instructions
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Place the beef, garlic powder, and salt in the Instant Pot. Select the sauté setting and cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up and stirring as needed. This should take about 6 minutes.
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Add the diced onion, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, coconut aminos, paprika, and oregano. Stir well. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, close the valve, select manual, and set the time to 10 minutes.
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When the cooking time is finished, select cancel, quick release the pressure, and carefully remove the lid.
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Add the chopped cabbage and stir it in so everything fits. Be sure the mixture does not go over the max fill line. Replace the lid, close the valve, select manual, and set the time to 4 minutes.
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Select cancel, quick release the pressure, stir again, and serve warm.
Stove-Top Instructions
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In a large stock pot, add the beef, garlic powder, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, coconut aminos, paprika, and oregano. Cover and cook until the onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Add the cabbage, stir well, cover, and cook until the cabbage is tender and has cooked down, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 11g (4%)
Protein: 22g (44%)
Fat: 10g (15%)
Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 66mg (22%)
Sodium: 502mg (22%)
Potassium: 596mg (17%)
Fiber: 4g (17%)
Sugar: 5g (6%)
Vitamin A: 250IU (5%)
Vitamin C: 52mg (63%)
Calcium: 76mg (8%)
Iron: 3mg (17%)