Name: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 1/2 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; 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

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.

A black cast iron pan filled with cooked cabbage and ground beef mixed together. The cabbage is cut into rough, wide strips with a light yellow and orange color from the cooking juices and spices. The ground beef is crumbled into small pieces, brown in color, scattered evenly throughout the cabbage. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, partially lifting some of the mixture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves with pale papery skins, several large crisp green cabbage leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown low sodium beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl with dark glossy balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with thick brown Worcestershire sauce, and two small white ceramic bowls with warm reddish smoked paprika powder and mixed Italian seasoning herbs, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A white bowl holds a serving of white rice as the bottom layer, soft and slightly clumped. On top, there is a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with cooked cabbage pieces, both coated in a light reddish-brown sauce giving a warm, rich color. A silver fork rests in the bowl on the left side, partially sticking into the rice and meat mix. In the background, a black pan filled with more of the meat and cabbage mixture sits on a white marbled surface, with a crumpled white cloth napkin lying beside the bowl. The lighting highlights the texture and slight shine of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

Ground Beef and Cabbage - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use other types of ground meat in this recipe?

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.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

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.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

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.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

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!