If you’re searching for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that manages to be both hearty and light, the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is your solution. Picture juicy ground beef mingling with sweet, mellow cabbage and a vibrant tomato base, all kissed by fragrant herbs. It’s the kind of one-pan wonder you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation, thanks to its rich comfort, family-friendliness, and low-carb credentials. Plus, with minimal prep and a short cook time, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something wholesome without a lot of effort.

Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates affordable, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor and warmth. Each element has a special part to play, creating a balance of savory, aromatic, and slightly tangy notes in your skillet.

Ground beef: Brings richness and a satisfying texture to the dish; use leaner beef for a lighter meal.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth, which forms the aromatic base.
Garlic: Elevates the overall flavor with a subtle sharpness that pairs beautifully with beef and cabbage.
Green cabbage: Turns sweet and tender when cooked, making the dish wholesome and full-bodied.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Introduces tang and juiciness, which helps everything meld together.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding richness and color.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the skillet with a gentle smokiness that really makes the dish pop.
Dried oregano: Brings a touch of Mediterranean herbiness, balancing the tomatoes and beef.
Dried thyme: Provides earthy, floral notes that complement the cabbage nicely.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it delivers a smooth, fruity base without overpowering the ingredients.
Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and letting each ingredient shine.
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh finish that makes your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet look extra inviting.

How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened. Then add the minced garlic and give it a good stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This savory foundation will infuse the entire Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet with warmth and depth from the very beginning.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned and cooked through, making sure to get a little color for extra flavor. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it away—no need for the dish to be heavy, just delicious and satisfying.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Next, toss in the chopped green cabbage and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. The cabbage will start to soften, collapse a bit, and soak up all the savory juices in the pan. You’re looking for it to be just tender but still brightly colored—it’s the star of the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet, after all.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little bit of heat. Stir everything well to combine, making sure the tomato paste dissolves and blankets the beef and cabbage in flavor.

Step 5: Simmer

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This final step allows all the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to turn perfectly tender. Taste and finish with salt and pepper as needed, giving your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet one last loving touch. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley if you like a pop of green!

How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley is a classic finish for this skillet, adding brightness and a little freshness to balance the savory depth. Feel free to sprinkle on freshly cracked black pepper or even a little Parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor and flair.

Side Dishes

This dish is so versatile—it pairs beautifully with buttered rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato juices. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed green beans to round things out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet into stuffed bell pepper halves, add it over roasted sweet potatoes, or ladle it into individual ramekins with a sprinkle of cheese for a fun, bubbly bake. You could even use leftovers as a hearty filling for wraps or tortillas—a delicious way to remix your meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers from your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this an easy option for meal prepping or quick weekday lunches.

Freezing

This skillet recipe freezes surprisingly well! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Frozen, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture and flavor, reheat your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just use short bursts and stir between to avoid overcooking the cabbage.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken work beautifully as leaner alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to add a touch more garlic or smoked paprika to keep the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet tasting robust.

Is it necessary to use tomato paste?

While you can skip it in a pinch, tomato paste really deepens the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce. If you do leave it out, consider simmering the skillet a few extra minutes to thicken the juices, or add a splash of tomato sauce as an alternative.

How can I make this recipe even lower in carbs?

Great news—Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is already pretty low in carbs! But to shave off a few more grams, use extra-lean ground beef and skip serving it with starchy sides like rice or potatoes. Try a side of cauliflower rice instead for a keto-friendly twist.

What’s the best type Main Course

Green cabbage is the classic choice and becomes sweet and tender when cooked. However, you can also use savoy cabbage for a bit of extra texture, or even red cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. Each option brings its own subtle personality to the dish.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! The Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet welcomes additions like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just dice them up and add at the step where you sauté the onion and garlic for perfect tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this delicious Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet, you’ll see why it’s a dinner-time hero in so many kitchens. It’s the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience, and vibrant flavor—plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to your tastes and fridge contents. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a skillet of pure, savory joy!

Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and aromatic herbs simmer together to create a comforting dish that’s low in carbs and big on taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Cook Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until cabbage is tender.
Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.