Name: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium head cabbage, shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil

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A savory and comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a touch of spices, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is the definition of comfort food made simple. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines affordability with nutrition in one satisfying meal. You'll love how the cabbage soaks up all the savory flavors of the beef and spices, creating a hearty dish that's surprisingly light on calories. It's also naturally low-carb and perfect for meal prep, as the flavors get even better overnight. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight solution or a budget-friendly family meal, this skillet dinner checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this dish. It releases delicious fat that flavors the cabbage and creates a savory foundation. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Cabbage is the star vegetable that bulks up this dish. When cooked, it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors in the pan. Any variety works well here - green, savoy, or even red cabbage (though red will change the color of the dish).

Onion and garlic create the aromatic foundation. They add depth and essential flavor to the dish. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with onion powder and garlic powder.

Olive oil helps to start the cooking process and prevents sticking. You can substitute with any neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil if needed.

Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish. Always taste before serving to adjust as needed.

Paprika adds a subtle earthiness and beautiful color. Smoked paprika would add a delightful smoky element if you have it on hand.

Dried thyme brings an herbal note that complements both the beef and cabbage. Rosemary or oregano make good substitutes if thyme isn't available.

Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant heat that balances the richness of the beef. Omit if serving to those sensitive to spice, or increase for more heat.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
Stir in the shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings at approximately 280 calories per serving. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it ready in just 30 minutes total. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Asian-Inspired Skillet: Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Italian Style: Mix in 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Mexican Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a diced bell pepper. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Loaded Skillet: Mix in 1 cup of cooked rice or cauliflower rice and top with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.

Extra Veggie Version: Add 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of diced bell peppers with the onions for extra nutrition and color.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for convenient future meals. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, for a quicker option.

Frozen Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the defrost function on your microwave before heating through completely.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes! While ground beef provides the best flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork with excellent results. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some meats cook faster than others.

How do I shred cabbage quickly?

The fastest way to shred cabbage is to cut it into quarters, remove the core, and then slice each quarter thinly with a sharp knife. If you have a food processor with a slicing attachment, that works wonderfully too. Pre-shredded cabbage bags from the grocery store are also a great time-saver.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! This ground beef and cabbage skillet is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for ketogenic diets. Cabbage is a low-carb vegetable, and the recipe doesn't include any grains or sugars. One serving contains approximately 7-10g of carbs, depending on exact measurements.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms would all work well. Add firmer vegetables like carrots when you add the onions, and quicker-cooking vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms when you add the cabbage.

How can I make this dish more filling?

To make this dish more substantial, you can serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes. Adding beans or chickpeas would also increase the fiber and protein content. Some people enjoy mixing in cooked egg noodles for a beef and cabbage noodle dish.

What can I serve with ground beef and cabbage skillet?

This dish stands well on its own but pairs nicely with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes on the side. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a side of roasted vegetables.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I modify this recipe?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes for a mild version that's family-friendly. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the onions, garlic, and other seasonings. You can place hot sauce on the table for those who prefer some heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Make it up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Why is my cabbage releasing a lot of water?

Cabbage naturally contains a high water content, which releases during cooking. If your dish seems too watery, you can cook it uncovered for the last few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. The extra liquid is actually flavorful and can be soaked up with bread or rice.

How can I add more flavor to this dish?

To amp up the flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon of tomato paste, or a teaspoon of dijon mustard. Beef or chicken broth can replace some of the water released by the cabbage for more depth. Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking also brighten the dish considerably.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. This dish embodies comfort food at its finest – hearty, flavorful, and nourishing without being complicated. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your meal rotation, especially on busy weeknights when time is limited but you don't want to compromise on a home-cooked meal.

What makes this dish special is its versatility and how it welcomes adaptations based on what you have on hand. The way the cabbage soaks up the savory flavors of the beef creates a harmony that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for one, this skillet dish delivers on both flavor and convenience.

As the seasons change, this recipe remains a constant – equally comforting on a cold winter evening or as a light yet satisfying summer dinner. Master this basic version, then make it your own with the variations suggested or create your own twist. Your future self will thank you for adding this efficient, economical, and delicious meal to your cooking repertoire.