This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet brings together classic flavors in a fast, fuss-free way. The combination of well-seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic garlic and onion creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also nourishing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hot meal without a pile of dishes. This one-pan recipe is endlessly adaptable add a little spice for a kick, or toss in some extra veggies to bulk it up. It’s keto and paleo-friendly, budget-conscious, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Great as a main course or a hearty side, it’s a dish that fits any season and any appetite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small head green cabbage, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1/2 cup beef broth
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
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Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Add chopped cabbage and pour in beef broth. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
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Uncover and cook another 2-3 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet: A Quick and Comforting Weeknight Meal
When it comes to weeknight dinners, the goal is usually simple something that’s fast, comforting, budget-friendly, and healthy. The Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet checks all those boxes and more. This one-pan wonder combines classic ingredients that many of us already have in our kitchens, resulting in a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and endlessly versatile.
A Timeless Combo: Ground Beef and Cabbage
Ground beef and cabbage is a time-tested pairing, popular across many cultures. From Eastern European stuffed cabbage rolls to Asian stir-fries, this duo has long been celebrated for its savory heartiness and nutritional benefits. In this skillet version, the ingredients are cooked together quickly and simply, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
What makes this combination so appealing is the way the rich, meaty flavor of the ground beef balances the mild sweetness of cabbage. As the cabbage cooks down, it absorbs the beef’s juices and seasonings, transforming into a tender, flavorful component that’s far from bland.
Why This Skillet Meal Works
There are several reasons this recipe has become a staple for many families:
1. Fast and Simple
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, from prep to plate. That makes it ideal for weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have the time (or energy) for a more elaborate meal.
2. One-Pan Convenience
Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup. There’s no need to juggle multiple pots or pans, which makes both cooking and cleaning faster and more efficient.
3. Budget-Friendly
Ground beef and cabbage are both affordable ingredients that stretch well. You can feed a whole family without spending much, and the leftovers store beautifully for the next day’s lunch.
4. Nutritious and Filling
Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Combined with protein-rich ground beef, it makes for a nutritionally balanced meal that keeps you full longer.
5. Customizable
This dish is endlessly flexible. You can adjust the seasoning, add more vegetables, switch the protein, or even serve it with rice or noodles to suit your taste and dietary needs.
How to Customize Your Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
While the basic recipe is delicious as-is, one of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to personalize it to your liking.
Add More Veggies
You can throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini. These not only add nutrition and color but also enhance the texture and flavor profile.
Swap the Protein
Prefer ground turkey or chicken over beef? Go ahead! Want to make it meatless? Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils.
Spice It Up
The original version includes a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, but you can elevate the heat with fresh chili, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
Change the Flavor Profile
Want to give this dish a global twist?
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Add cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex feel.
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Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired version.
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Stir in tomato paste and Italian herbs for a more Mediterranean take.
Make It Low-Carb or Add Carbs
This meal is naturally low-carb, which is great for those on keto or low-carb diets. But if you’re feeding hungry kids or want a heartier dish, serve it over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even noodles.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This skillet dish stores very well, making it a great option for meal prep.
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
The flavor actually improves as it sits, making leftovers even better than the first serving.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can make it part of a more complete meal with a few sides or garnishes:
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Grain base: Serve it over rice, quinoa, couscous, or even polenta.
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Bread: Pair with a warm slice of crusty bread or cornbread for some comfort food flair.
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Eggs: Top with a fried or poached egg for a high-protein brunch-style twist.
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Sauces: A dollop of sour cream or drizzle of sriracha can add a creamy or spicy finish.
A Comfort Dish with Global Roots
Although this recipe is a modern skillet version, ground beef and cabbage have strong roots in several world cuisines. In Eastern Europe, cabbage rolls (often filled with a ground meat and rice mixture) are a beloved traditional food. In Irish and German cooking, beef and cabbage stews are common. In Asia, stir-fried cabbage with minced pork or beef is a staple in home kitchens and street stalls alike.
This recipe blends convenience with a nod to those rich culinary traditions, offering a quick alternative to more labor-intensive dishes while preserving the classic flavor profile.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
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Busy parents looking for a fast and wholesome family dinner.
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Students or anyone on a budget needing a filling, affordable meal.
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Low-carb eaters wanting to stay on track without sacrificing comfort.
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Meal preppers who want a nutritious option to heat and eat throughout the week.
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Home cooks of all skill levels from beginners to pros.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been searching for a dependable, versatile, and satisfying recipe that’s just as good on a lazy Tuesday as it is for Sunday meal prep, the Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet might just be your new favorite. It’s warm and hearty, yet surprisingly light. It’s affordable but packed with flavor. And best of all, it’s endlessly customizable to your taste, mood, and pantry staples.
Whether you’re looking to keep dinner low-carb, need something the whole family will eat, or just want fewer dishes to wash, this simple skillet meal delivers. Give it a try this week you might find yourself coming back to it again and again.