Description
This Tasty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef with tender cabbage simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, this recipe highlights a balance of spices and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 head cabbage (about 6 cups), roughly chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquid Ingredients
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cabbage: In the same skillet, add 1.5 tablespoons olive oil. Add diced onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the roughly chopped cabbage, paprika, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and sauté until the cabbage begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Return the cooked ground beef back to the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to combine flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm as a hearty main dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Notes
- Ground beef with 85/15 fat ratio is recommended for optimal flavor and texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
