Save to Pinterest My neighbor dropped off a bag of dumpling wrappers one Tuesday evening, apologizing for overbuying at the Asian market, and I stood there staring at them wondering what to do beyond the obvious soup or pan-fried route. That same night, I was craving lasagna but had ground turkey and half a head of cabbage instead of the usual ingredients, so I started layering things in a skillet almost as an experiment. What emerged from that happy accident was something neither Italian nor Asian, but genuinely craveable—crispy-edged wrappers holding creamy cheese and savory meat like they were born to do this job.
I made this for my sister's first night in her new apartment, and she sat at her kitchen counter with two forks (we were too hungry to wait for plates) eating straight from the skillet, making these little sounds of surprise that made me laugh. She'd moved across the country for a job and was homesick, so sharing something warm and a little strange felt like exactly what she needed. Since then, it's become our shorthand for 'come over, I'm cooking something good but weird.'
Ingredients
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean and quick-cooking, it browns in minutes and doesn't overwhelm the other flavors—but ground chicken works just as well if that's what you have.
- Green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups): It softens into silky layers without disappearing, giving the whole thing body and a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato sauce.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 medium): The foundation layer where all the flavor begins—cook it until the edges turn golden and soft, it makes a difference.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Add this after the onion softens so it doesn't burn and turn bitter, just let it bloom for a minute.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Use your favorite jarred version or homemade if you're inclined—it's the binding agent that holds everything together.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The creamy middle layer that makes this feel luxurious without the heaviness of béchamel.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Choose the real thing over pre-shredded if possible, it melts more smoothly and browns better under the broiler.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): This adds the sharp, salty notes that make every bite interesting—don't skip it.
- Dumpling wrappers (10-12 round): These are your secret weapon; they're thinner than lasagna noodles so they cook through in just ten minutes of steaming.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Just enough to get the pan going without making things greasy.
- Dried Italian herbs or basil (1 tsp): If you have fresh basil, tear it in at the very end instead—it brightens everything.
- Salt and black pepper: Season as you go, not all at the end.
- Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): For when you want a little heat lingering on your tongue.
Instructions
- Start the foundation:
- Heat your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion, letting it soften and turn translucent for about three minutes. You'll know it's ready when the kitchen starts smelling like caramelized onions.
- Build the meat layer:
- Add minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant, then crumble in your ground turkey along with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks, and don't rush this part—let it brown properly for six to seven minutes, it's where the flavor gets deep.
- Add the cabbage:
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for five to six minutes until it wilts and softens, then pour in one cup of the marinara sauce and let it simmer together for two minutes so the flavors marry.
- Divide and prepare:
- Remove roughly half of the turkey-cabbage mixture and set it aside on a plate—this creates your two layers and keeps things from getting too thick.
- First dumpling layer:
- Lay your dumpling wrappers over the mixture remaining in the skillet, overlapping them slightly like roof shingles, and don't worry if they don't cover every gap perfectly.
- First cheese layer:
- Spread half the ricotta over the wrappers, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across, leaving little white pockets that will get gooey.
- Middle turkey layer:
- Spread the reserved turkey-cabbage mixture back over the cheese, evening it out gently so it covers the dumplings underneath.
- Second dumpling layer:
- Arrange the remaining wrappers on top, again overlapping as needed, because they'll shrink slightly as they steam.
- Final sauce and cheese:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, dollop with the rest of the ricotta in little spoonfuls, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan so you get a golden, bubbly top.
- Steam the dumplings:
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and cook over low heat for ten minutes—you'll see the dumplings absorb the moisture and puff slightly, and the whole thing will smell incredible. Listen for a gentle sizzle at the edges, that's how you know it's working.
- Go for the golden finish:
- Turn your oven broiler on high and slide the uncovered skillet under for two to three minutes until the cheese bubbles and gets light brown spots. Watch it like a hawk because broilers are unpredictable and can go from perfect to charred in seconds.
- Rest and serve:
- Let it rest for five minutes before you slice and serve—this keeps everything from sliding around and gives the layers time to set slightly. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread to soak up the saucy goodness.
Save to Pinterest There was a moment during that first batch when I pulled it from under the broiler and the cheese was bubbling with these perfect golden-brown spots, and my daughter asked if we could make it again next week. That's when I knew this wasn't just an accident to forget, it was something worth repeating.
Why This Fusion Works
The magic here is that dumpling wrappers and lasagna noodles are basically cousins—both are thin sheets made from flour and egg that soften in heat and carry flavors from what surrounds them. By swapping one for the other, you get the best of both: the delicate texture of dumplings with the satisfying layering of lasagna, and because dumpling wrappers are so thin, they cook faster than traditional noodles. Ground turkey plays the same grounding role that ground beef does in a classic lasagna, but it's lighter and lets the other ingredients shine through without heaviness.
The Cabbage Secret
Cabbage feels like an odd choice in an Italian-style dish until you realize it's actually been there all along, hiding in coleslaw served alongside pizza and in traditional cabbage rolls that families have made for generations. When cooked gently with onions and tomato sauce, it becomes sweet and tender without losing its texture, almost like it was meant to fill this space. It also adds volume without adding calories or heaviness, which means you eat more of this dish and feel satisfied longer.
Timing and Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep this entirely in the morning and refrigerate it unbaked, covered with plastic wrap—just add five extra minutes to the steaming time if cooking from cold. The wrappers won't get soggy because they haven't been cooked yet, and the cheese won't dry out because everything is sealed under cover. I've also frozen the whole assembled skillet (wrap it well after it cools), then thawed it overnight in the fridge and baked it the next day with perfect results.
- Assemble and refrigerate up to eight hours ahead: Cover tightly and add five extra minutes to the steaming time.
- Freeze before cooking for up to three weeks: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as normal.
- Leftovers stay fresh for four days and can be reheated gently in a low oven: Cover with foil so the cheese doesn't dry out.
Save to Pinterest This skillet has become my answer to 'what should we make?' on nights when nothing sounds quite right, because it feels both adventurous and comforting. I hope it does the same for you and maybe even becomes the thing you reach for when someone you love needs feeding and remembering.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with other meats?
Yes, ground chicken or lean pork are great alternatives to ground turkey in this skillet dish.
- → How do I ensure the dumpling wrappers cook properly?
Cover the skillet and cook over low heat to steam the wrappers, then broil briefly for a golden top.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, spinach or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrients and flavor.
- → What herbs work best in this dish?
Dried Italian herbs or basil complement the flavors wonderfully without overpowering them.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild flavor, but red pepper flakes can be added to introduce a gentle heat.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
A large oven-safe skillet with a lid, a cutting board, chef’s knife, and measuring spoons are essential.