Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet has become my go-to weeknight warrior for a reason. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly healthy and incredibly easy to whip up. I remember the first time I tried making it; the aroma of savory beef mingling with the subtle sweetness of cooked cabbage filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. This simple, hearty ground beef and cabbage recipe is proof that you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or time to create something truly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and familiar, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need an easy ground beef cabbage skillet that delivers on flavor and ease. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
You’re going to adore this simple ground beef and cabbage recipe for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The savory ground beef combined with tender, slightly sweet cabbage is a match made in heaven.
- Super Speedy Prep: With just 10 minutes of preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Wholesome: It’s a ground beef cabbage skillet healthy meal packed with nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and ground beef are affordable staples, making this a great ground beef cabbage skillet budget friendly option.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan ground beef and cabbage approach.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting and familiar dish.
- Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite spices or extra veggies.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
Gathering your ingredients for this hearty ground beef and cabbage for dinner is a breeze. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making it an easy and accessible meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef – I like to use 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and leanness.
- ½ head green cabbage, shredded – This is the star veggie, providing bulk and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, diced – It adds a foundational savory flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – To help sauté the aromatics and brown the beef.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy note.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – For a touch of color and mild flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional) – For an umami boost.
- 1 cup beef broth or water – This helps steam the cabbage and create a little sauce.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – A touch of acidity brightens everything up.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
Get ready to create a delicious and simple skillet ground beef cabbage easy meal that will become a family favorite! This recipe is straightforward, even for beginners.
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and become fragrant. Stir in the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just another 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma – be careful not to burn it!
- Step 2: Add the 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned. If there’s a lot of excess fat, carefully drain it off.
- Step 3: Stir in the seasonings: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss everything together so the beef is coated in those lovely spices.
- Step 4: Now for the star veggie! Toss in the ½ head green cabbage, shredded. Pour the 1 cup beef broth (or water) over everything. Give it a good stir, making sure the cabbage is well distributed throughout the beef mixture.
- Step 5: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes. This is where the magic happens, allowing the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld, similar to a quick ground beef and cabbage stir fry. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Step 6: Uncover the skillet. If you’re using them, stir in the 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. These really brighten up the dish and add a fantastic depth of flavor. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. If you have some fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve this delicious ground beef and cabbage dinner hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
I’ve tweaked this recipe a few times to get it just right, and these tips really make a difference for the ultimate ground beef cabbage skillet experience. Follow these and you won’t be disappointed!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is too full, the cabbage will steam instead of getting those slightly browned, tender bits I love. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shred the cabbage finely: Using a mandoline or the shredding disk on a food processor makes a huge difference in how quickly and evenly the cabbage cooks. For more tips on vegetable prep, check out these helpful salad recipes.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is personal! Always taste your ground beef and cabbage dinner before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or even add a pinch more cumin if you like.
- Add a touch of sweetness: A teaspoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can really enhance the cabbage’s natural sweetness, especially if your cabbage isn’t very fresh.
What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet?
The real secret to a truly perfect ground beef cabbage skillet simple dish lies in not overcooking the cabbage. You want it tender with just a hint of bite, and achieving those slightly caramelized edges adds so much flavor. This technique is also key in many Italian herb and cheese bread recipes for achieving a perfect crust.
Can I make Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prep all the ingredients (chop the onion, shred the cabbage, mince the garlic) a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This makes actual cooking time even faster!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet?
The biggest pitfall is soggy cabbage. To avoid this, make sure not to add too much liquid and don’t cover the skillet for too long. Also, drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy. For more on healthy cooking techniques, you can explore resources on healthy eating.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
This versatile ground beef cabbage skillet is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a side of fluffy white rice; the way the rice soaks up the savory juices makes this ground beef cabbage skillet with rice a real winner. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a great complement to this hearty dish.
Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
This quick and easy skillet is a fantastic, healthy option for dinner. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this flavorful ground beef cabbage skillet healthy meal:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you add optional items like soy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
One of the best things about this ground beef cabbage skillet is how well it stores and reheats, making it a truly ground beef cabbage skillet budget friendly option for meal prep. Once your delicious skillet is cooked, let it cool down completely on the counter for about an hour. Then, transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super simple. You can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet
How do you make a ground beef and cabbage skillet?
Making a ground beef cabbage skillet is quite simple! You’ll start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet. Then, brown the ground beef, drain any excess fat, and stir in your seasonings. Add shredded cabbage and beef broth, cover, and cook until the cabbage is tender. Finish with optional soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for extra flavor. It’s a straightforward process that yields a delicious, comforting meal. For more easy dinner ideas, check out focaccia bread secrets.
What is ground beef cabbage skillet?
A ground beef cabbage skillet is a one-pan dish that combines ground beef with shredded cabbage and seasonings, cooked together in a skillet. It’s known for being a quick, easy, budget-friendly, and often healthy meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to different dietary needs and flavor preferences, making it a popular choice for weeknight dinners.
Can I add other vegetables to my ground beef and cabbage skillet?
Absolutely! You can easily enhance your ground beef cabbage skillet by adding other vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end would be delicious. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as the onion so they cook evenly.
Is ground beef and cabbage healthy?
Generally, yes! This dish is often considered healthy because it combines lean protein from the ground beef with nutrient-rich cabbage. When prepared with minimal added fats and sodium, it can be a very wholesome meal. Opting for leaner ground beef and controlling the amount of oil and salt you use will maximize its health benefits.
Variations of Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet You Can Try
This versatile ground beef cabbage skillet is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! Whether you’re looking to adapt it for dietary needs or just want to mix up the flavors, there are tons of options. For those following a specific diet, you’ll love how easily it transforms into a ground beef and cabbage skillet low carb meal by simply omitting the optional soy sauce and serving it without rice. You can also pack in more nutrients by adding extra ground beef cabbage skillet with vegetables like shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or even some chopped zucchini. Another fun variation is to swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use Italian sausage for a bolder flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment! For more creative meal ideas, explore our latest recipes.
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Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet: 2 Amazing Swaps
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a quick, hearty, one-pan dinner that’s both budget-friendly and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ head green cabbage shredded
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain fat if needed.
- Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Toss in the shredded cabbage and pour the beef broth over. Stir everything together so the cabbage is well combined with the beef mixture.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be soft and slightly golden in spots.
- Add soy sauce and apple cider vinegar if using. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap in ground turkey or pork for the beef if preferred.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- This dish reheats beautifully—great for meal prep!
- This ground beef and cabbage skillet is naturally low-carb and fits a keto or paleo lifestyle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
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