There’s something so comforting about a one-pan meal that hits all the right notes of savory and satisfying. My Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is exactly that—easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for hectic weeknights when you want a hearty, homey dinner without fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This skillet recipe really made it onto my regular rotation because it delivers that comforting, homemade vibe without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly forgiving and comes together quickly, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- One-pan convenience: Less cleanup means you’re more likely to make this again.
- Healthy comfort food: Cabbage adds fiber and nutrients without weighing you down.
- Flavor-packed: Smoky paprika and tangy balsamic vinegar elevate the humble ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This combination of ground beef and cabbage creates a wonderful balance—the beef brings a rich, savory base while the cabbage adds freshness and a slight crunch that softens during cooking. Plus, the well-rounded seasoning makes every bite interesting.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
- Ground beef: Choose lean to avoid too much grease, but still enough fat for flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Small but mighty, it amps up the savory notes in the dish.
- Green cabbage: The star veggie, providing crunch and nutrition—make sure to remove the core for easier chopping.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor that really complements the beef.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbs that brighten and add complexity without overwhelming.
- Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and moisture to tie everything together.
- Low sodium beef broth: Deepens the beef flavor while keeping saltiness under control.
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash adds tangy sweetness, balancing the richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a touch of savory magic.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up depending on what’s in the fridge. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the seasonings to suit your mood or dietary needs. This recipe is like a little blank canvas that lets you personalize it.
- Variation: When I want it a bit lighter, I swap ground turkey for beef—it’s still flavorful but adds a leaner profile.
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers or mushrooms make a great addition, adding extra texture and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Make it keto-friendly: Skip the rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Searing the ground beef
Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink—this usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning adds incredible flavor. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté onions, garlic, and cabbage
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about 1 minute. Then, stir in the chopped cabbage along with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but still has a bit of bite, roughly 7-10 minutes. This slow cooking helps draw out sweetness and mellows the cabbage perfectly.
Step 3: Bring it all together with sauces
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything to combine and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through. Always taste at this stage—adjust salt or seasoning as needed before serving.
Top Tip
Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe truly shine and avoid common pitfalls.
- Brown the beef well: Don’t crowd the pan; give the meat space to brown beautifully rather than steam.
- Cook the cabbage low and slow: This helps develop sweetness and keeps it from getting mushy or bitter.
- Season in layers: Season the beef when cooking, then again when sautéing the cabbage, and finally adjust at the end for balanced flavor.
- Don’t skip the vinegar: The tang from balsamic vinegar lifts the whole dish, preventing it from tasting flat or heavy.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this skillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for color and a fresh contrast. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt also adds a nice creaminess if you want it extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This recipe is great served over fluffy rice or egg noodles—both soak up all that delicious sauce. On busier nights, I’ll pile it onto steamed cauliflower rice or even mashed potatoes for a cozy, filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve served this skillet in individual cast iron dishes and topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melted under the broiler—makes it feel special but requires minimal extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 4 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, label them, and it’s a lifesaver on those nights you want a warm homemade dinner but have zero time. Best used within 3 months.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be swapped in with great results. Keep in mind leaner meats may need a bit more oil or moisture added during cooking.
You can substitute regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder to keep some warmth but the smoky element adds a nice depth. If using regular paprika, consider adding a tiny bit of liquid smoke if you have it.
Yes! It keeps well for several days in the fridge and freezes nicely. Portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Definitely! Feel free to add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce as you cook the cabbage or add right before serving for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is one of those underrated gems that I always come back to when life gets busy but I still want a delicious, homemade meal. It’s quick, forgiving, and just downright tasty—a combo I’m sure you’ll appreciate as much as I do. Give it a try and I bet it will become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet featuring lean ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce, seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian herbs for a flavorful and comforting meal that cooks quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- ½ head green cabbage, core removed and chopped into bite sized pieces (about 5 cups)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, crumble it with a spatula, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then remove the beef onto a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cabbage: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped cabbage and season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Cabbage: Continue cooking the cabbage mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the cabbage. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the skillet mixture and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the cabbage.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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