Thank you, truly, for being here. Every time you come back for another recipe, it feels like we’re cooking side-by-side, chatting over sizzling pans and sharing the kind of meals that make life feel a little cozier. If you love quick, hearty, budget-friendly dinners like this one, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new recipe—I love sending deliciousness straight to your inbox!
Now… let’s talk about this Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet. It’s humble, hearty, wildly flavorful, and one of those dependable weeknight wonders you’ll keep coming back to.
What Is Cabbage & Ground Beef?
This dish is a one-pan, old-fashioned comfort classic. It brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and warm spices—all simmered into a cozy skillet meal that tastes like it’s been loved for generations. It’s simple, it’s filling, and it’s the perfect way to turn everyday ingredients into something deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal = minimal cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Protein-packed and veggie-loaded
- Big flavor from simple spices
- Family-approved comfort food
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great leftover reheater
What Does It Taste Like?
It’s savory, cozy, and just a little bit smoky thanks to the paprika. The tomatoes bring bright acidity, the cabbage turns soft and juicy, and the beef ties everything together. Every bite tastes like comfort in a skillet—warm, hearty, and anything but boring!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Affordable pantry staples
- Keto- and low-carb-friendly
- Naturally gluten-free
- Customizable with different veggies or seasonings
- Excellent reheating for busy weeknights
Ingredients
Main
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp bouillon powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons
Additions & Substitutions
Additions
- Diced bell peppers
- Shredded carrots
- Cooked rice or quinoa added at the end
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular
- Beef broth for extra depth instead of some tomatoes
- Vegetable bouillon for a lighter version
How to Make Cabbage & Ground Beef (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Beef
Heat skillet on medium.
Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
Cook until browned.
2. Add Aromatics
Push the beef to one side.
Add chopped onions and minced garlic.
Cook until onions soften and turn fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings
Pour in diced tomatoes.
Stir in bouillon, cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage to the skillet.
Stir everything well.
Cover and cook until cabbage softens and blends into the mixture—about 10–15 minutes.
5. Taste & Adjust
Add more salt or spices if desired.
Serve warm!
What to Serve With This Dish
- Warm cornbread
- Crusty bread
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb
- A dollop of sour cream on top
- A simple green salad
Tips for the Best Cabbage & Beef
- Chop cabbage into evenly sized pieces so it cooks uniformly.
- Don’t skip the bouillon—it adds incredible depth!
- If mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving to deepen flavor.
- Use lean beef to avoid extra grease.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days, in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, cozy comfort cravings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage?
Yes! Use about 6–7 cups of mix.
Can I make this spicier?
Increase cayenne or add red pepper flakes.
Why is my cabbage watery?
Cabbage releases moisture as it cooks. Simmer uncovered for the last few minutes to thicken.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely—diced potatoes cook beautifully in this skillet dish.
Conclusion
This Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet is the kind of simple, reliable, flavorful meal every home cook needs in their back pocket. It’s budget-friendly, wholesome, and full of cozy flavors that taste like home. And the best part? It comes together in one pan with everyday ingredients.
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Let’s Connect!
Made this recipe? I’d love to see it!
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~260
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Enjoy this warm and hearty skillet meal! 🍲💛
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