If you’re hunting for a meal that’s hearty, nutritious, and comes together in under an hour, look no further than this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet. This one-pan wonder mingles savory ground beef, sweet and tender cabbage, and a bright hit of tomatoes and just the right kick of spice. Each forkful is the perfect blend of comfort and vibrancy—plus, cleanup is a breeze! This dish belongs on every busy cook’s weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient has a role, from adding depth of flavor to providing color and bite. Every element melds together seamlessly, creating a skillet meal that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish from being greasy while still packing in savory flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onion infuses the skillet with sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes with the beef.
- Garlic: Those minced cloves add a subtle aromatic backbone; don’t skip them for real homemade taste.
- Green cabbage: Half a head, chopped, gives you sweetness and a healthy crunch that softens into the perfect texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Use the juice too for extra sauciness and brightness—canned makes it quick and easy!
- Tomato paste: Just a spoonful for richer, more concentrated tomato flavor.
- Paprika: Adds warm, earthy undertones that make all the other ingredients sing.
- Dried oregano: For that whisper of herby, Mediterranean flair in each bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasonings that quietly make everything taste better—adjust to your liking!
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Totally optional, but fantastic if you love a bit of gentle heat.
- Olive oil: A dash, if needed, helps everything sauté if your beef is very lean.
- Chopped parsley: Sprinkle on top for a burst of fresh color and a light, grassy finish.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and crumbly and the onion is pleasantly soft—about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s more than a small amount of fat in the pan, drain most of it off, but leave just a little for flavor.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with its wonderful aroma. This quick step builds a sweet, garlicky foundation for the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Soften the Cabbage
Next, pile in the chopped cabbage. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot—it will shrink as it cooks. Give everything a good stir, then cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften and blend with the beef and onions.
Step 4: Bring in the Tomato Goodness
Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), then spoon in the tomato paste. Sprinkle over the paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything together so every bite gets coated in that vibrant sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover your skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This is the magic moment when the cabbage turns irresistibly tender and all those flavors marry together. If you like your skillet a little thicker, uncover and let it bubble for another 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Step 6: Taste and Garnish
Give it a final taste and tweak the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper works wonders. Scoop into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Dinner is served!
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley offers a bright pop of green and a clean, herby finish. For a little tang, a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of parmesan can be fantastic as well. If you like things spicy, a dash more red pepper flakes right before serving puts a playful sparkle of heat on top.
Side Dishes
You can pile your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet right onto fluffy steamed rice to soak up all those juices, or scoop it alongside a hunk of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad or simple roasted potatoes are reliable choices, providing a lovely contrast to the warm skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try stuffing the hot mixture into baked sweet potatoes or serving it over buttery mashed cauliflower for an extra-vegetable boost. If you’re hosting, scoop the skillet into individual ramekins and top with a little melty cheese—think of it as a rustic cottage pie, Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This skillet meal is just as delicious the next day. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as everything sits, which makes for some delightfully savory lunches!
Freezing
Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet can be frozen, making it a dream for meal preppers. Allow it to cool fully, then portion into airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To warm things up, add your leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen everything. Stir occasionally until hot all the way through. Alternatively, the microwave works great for individual portions—just cover loosely and stir once or twice during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully in this recipe. Each will lend its own distinct flavor and slightly different texture, but the method remains the same.
What’s the best way to chop cabbage evenly?
Slice your half head of cabbage in half again, cut out the core, then chop into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer longer shreds, use a sharp knife or even a mandoline—but rough chopping is perfectly fine here for a homey feel.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, the spice level is very mild, with just a hint of warmth from the red pepper flakes. Want more heat? Ramp up the flakes, or toss in a little chopped fresh chili for an extra kick!
Can I make the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet ahead of time?
Definitely! This skillet is a great make-ahead meal as the flavors deepen over time. Just reheat gently when ready to serve, and enjoy how well everything has melded together.
What should I do if my skillet looks too watery?
Simply uncover the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes more. The excess liquid will reduce and you’ll be left with a thicker, more concentrated sauce that clings beautifully to the cabbage and beef.
Final Thoughts
Few things feel as satisfying as gathering your loved ones for a homemade meal, and this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table. If you haven’t already, give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to whenever you crave something easy, nourishing, and full of rich, comforting flavor.
Print
Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan dinner recipe for Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage and flavorful seasonings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cabbage Mixture:
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic and Cabbage: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Uncover and cook for another 5 minutes to reduce excess liquid, if needed.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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