If you are looking for a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly and fills you up with satisfying flavors, I have just the thing for you. This Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe is one of my all-time favorites when dinner needs to be nutritious, effortless, and packed with soul-warming goodness. The tender cabbage soaks up the rich tomato base and smoky spices while the ground beef adds a juicy, robust texture that makes every bite a total crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet tasty enough to impress friends without fussing over complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor. From the savory browned beef to the subtly sweet and tender cabbage, every element comes together to create a well-balanced dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and a rich, meaty foundation for the skillet.
- Yellow onion (diced): Brightens the dish with aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (minced): Boosts flavor with its pungent, savory punch that sings when sautéed.
- Green cabbage (chopped, about 5 cups): Offers a pleasant crunch and a subtle sweetness that softens as it cooks.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, with juices): Bring acidity and juiciness to balance the beef and cabbage.
- Tomato sauce (1/4 cup): Enriches the sauce with concentrated tomato flavor for a thicker texture.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, warm depth that elevates every bite.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts an herby, slightly peppery note for complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings mild heat and brightness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon): For those who like a subtle kick of warmth.
- Beef broth or water (1/4 cup): Keeps the skillet moist and helps meld the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown nicely and cook through for about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning is key here because it builds a savory crust and flavors the entire dish deeply. After the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to your beef. Sauté them together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent while the garlic releases its aroma. This step sets the flavor foundation by adding sweetness and that irresistible garlicky warmth.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Now stir in the chopped green cabbage. Cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice the cabbage start to wilt and soften while still retaining a bit of bite. This helps keep the texture interesting and ensures it doesn’t become mushy.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Spices
Time to add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Pour in the beef broth to help everything meld nicely. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors before turning the heat down.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Cover your skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This slowly softens the cabbage completely and allows the robust flavors to marry beautifully. Check and adjust salt or pepper at the end if needed. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a bright herbal touch.
How to Serve Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While this skillet shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes that balance the smoky richness. Other great garnishes include a dollop of sour cream for creaminess or a little shredded sharp cheddar for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for mopping up the sauce, steamed rice to soak in the savory juices, or even a simple green salad to add fresh crunch and contrast. For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or make a family meal more festive, try serving Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley and a wedge of lemon to brighten each portion. You can also top the skillet with a fried egg for brunch-style flair or stuff it into roasted bell peppers for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to warm evenly. Be sure to garnish again for that fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great here if you want a lighter version of the Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe. Just brown the meat the same way—flavorful results guaranteed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as it uses fresh ingredients and no wheat-based thickeners or sauces.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms alongside the cabbage for added texture and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them enough to soften before adding tomatoes.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but won’t overpower the dish. You can omit them if you prefer no spice or increase slightly if you love heat.
What should I serve with this skillet for a complete meal?
Pair it with a side of rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a satisfying and balanced meal. For a low-carb dinner, just enjoy as is or with extra veggies.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe enough for anyone seeking a fuss-free, comforting dinner brimming with wholesome flavors. It’s consistently one of my go-to dishes when I want something both nourishing and utterly delicious. I truly hope you enjoy making it and savor every bite as much as I do.
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Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with tender cabbage, tomatoes, and smoky spices, it’s a comforting and nutritious meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped (about 5 cups)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth or water and stir everything to combine.
- Simmer the Dish: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats very well.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb meal option.
