If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome dinner that comes together in one pan, the Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the savory depth of browned ground beef with the tender, slightly sweet crunch of green cabbage, all kissed with fragrant garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The result is a hearty, flavorful skillet meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s adding richness, freshness, or a subtle spice to keep every bite interesting.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The protein star that provides a juicy, savory base for the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious depth and helps soften the onions and cabbage beautifully.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and a slight bite that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 medium green cabbage (cored & chopped): The hearty vegetable that softens into mild, comforting bites.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant punch that lifts the entire skillet’s aroma.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the dish together with herbaceous freshness.
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or more, to taste): Keeps everything moist and adds an umami boost.
- Seasoning salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in the ingredients.
- Sour cream (optional, for serving): A creamy, cooling contrast that complements the savory skillet.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up as you cook so it browns evenly and develops those delicious caramelized edges. This step locks in the meaty flavor that forms the foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Drain Excess Fat
Once the beef is beautifully browned, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. If you see too much fat in the skillet, carefully drain it out to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Sauté Onions in Butter
Next, add the butter to the skillet and toss in the chopped onions. Cooking them for about three minutes softens them just enough to unlock their sweet aroma without losing their texture.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir every so often—it will wilt and soften while the onions develop light golden spots. This slow cooking in the butter and onion mix transforms plain cabbage into a flavorful, tender component that’s truly magical.
Step 5: Stir in Garlic and Spices
Now sprinkle in the minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse the dish with layers of savory and herbal notes. Let the garlic sauté briefly to mellow its sharpness and release its fragrance.
Step 6: Add Broth and Return Beef
Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan slightly, loosening any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Return the browned beef to the skillet and stir everything together, heating it through for a few minutes. If the mixture looks a little dry, add a splash more broth for moisture and tenderness.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Finally, taste the skillet and season with seasoning salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Don’t be shy with the salt since cabbage can soak it up, and you want every bite to be perfectly balanced. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if you like a creamy contrast.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh chopped parsley or green onions brings a pop of color and fresh flavor on top of the warm skillet. Adding a spoonful of sour cream is my personal favorite for that cool creaminess that complements the seasoned beef and softened cabbage perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round it out, a simple side salad or crusty bread makes an excellent pairing. For a low-carb twist, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual meal, serve it straight from the skillet family-style, inviting everyone to help themselves. If you want to dress it up, plate individual portions with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side for a little brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even more delicious the next time around. Plan to eat within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This skillet dish freezes well. Place portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cabbage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic here, you can substitute with Savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor that’s just as delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. It’s a great choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for a meatless version. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you prefer not to use sour cream, Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative that adds creaminess with a bit of tang, pairing well with the skillet’s flavors.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting, with warmth from paprika but no heat. If you love a kick, you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to spice it up.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like it’s been in your family’s recipe box forever, even if you just discovered it today. It’s straightforward, comforting, and adaptable, perfect for making weeknight dinners something to look forward to. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to skillet supper!
Print
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef and Cabbage skillet recipe that combines browned lean ground beef with tender, sautéed cabbage and onions, seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs, perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning & Liquids
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or more, to taste)
- Seasoning salt & pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, optional for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook while breaking it up continuously until the beef is nicely browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: Transfer the cooked beef onto a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease. If there is excessive fat left in the pan, drain it carefully.
- Sauté Onions: Add butter to the skillet, then the chopped onion, sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions begin softening and becoming translucent.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onions and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow the cabbage to soften fully and the onions to lightly brown for enhanced flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the cabbage and onion mixture.
- Combine and Heat Through: Pour in the beef broth and return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir and cook until heated through, adding more broth if needed to maintain moisture.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with seasoning salt and pepper as desired. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream if preferred.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- Be patient while cooking the cabbage; slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness and flavor.
- The sour cream topping is optional but adds a creamy contrast to the savory dish.
- Adjust the beef broth quantity depending on preferred moisture level in the dish.
- Season generously as cabbage tends to absorb salt, making adequate seasoning important.
