Name: Easy Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet (Ready in 30 Mins!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean); 1 small head of cabbage (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes (undrained); 1 cup chopped onion (yellow or white); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp powdered broth seasoning (chicken or beef flavor); 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; salt and pepper (to taste); 1 tbsp olive oil

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In the world of weeknight dinners, we’re all looking for that perfect recipe: one that’s fast, budget-friendly, healthy, and packed with flavor. It sounds like a tall order, but this incredible Cabbage and Ground Beef skillet checks every single box. Cabbage is one of the most underrated vegetables in the produce aisle, but this one-pan meal transforms it into something truly special. Tender-crisp cabbage is simmered with savory ground beef in a smoky, lightly spiced tomato sauce that comes together in a flash. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that’s naturally low-carb and loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a delicious and easy dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Step 3: Create the Savory Tomato Sauce
Step 4: Simmer to Meld the Flavors
Step 5: Wilt the Cabbage
Step 6: Season to Perfection

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing and Reheating Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Q2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Q3. What can I use instead of powdered broth seasoning?
Q4. Can I use a different kind of cabbage?

Easy Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet (Ready in 30 Mins!)

Description
Ingredients

Main Ingredients
Spices
For Sautéing

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a dish that is bursting with flavor.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Ground Beef	1 pound	80/20 or 90/10 lean both work well.
Small Head of Cabbage	1	Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Canned Diced Tomatoes	1 (15-oz) can	Don’t drain them; you’ll use the liquid.
Chopped Onion	1 cup	Yellow or white onion.
Garlic	2 cloves	Finely chopped or minced.
Powdered Broth Seasoning	1 tablespoon	Chicken or beef flavor.
Ground Cumin	½ teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper	¼ teaspoon	Adjust to your preferred spice level.
Smoked Paprika	½ teaspoon	Adds a wonderful smoky depth.
Salt & Pepper	To taste
Olive Oil	1 tablespoon	For sautéing.

Timing

This one-pan meal is a weeknight champion, getting a delicious and healthy dinner on the table in well under an hour.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful skillet meal the whole family will enjoy.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it apart, until it is fully browned. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to a separate plate. Set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Tip: Cooking the onions and garlic separately from the beef allows them to sauté properly without steaming, creating a richer flavor base.

Step 3: Create the Savory Tomato Sauce

Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their liquid) into the skillet. Stir in the powdered broth seasoning, cumin, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together well.

Step 4: Simmer to Meld the Flavors

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir it into the tomato and spice mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Wilt the Cabbage

Add all of the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It might seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down! Stir to coat the cabbage in the sauce as best you can. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes. The cabbage is done when it has softened to your liking but still has a slight tender-crisp bite.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Give the dish a final taste. Add salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors pop. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving, assuming the recipe makes four generous servings.

Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Net Carbs: 9 g

Disclaimer: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients, such as the fat content of the ground beef.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Leaner Protein: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or ground chicken for a lower-fat option.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the dish with other vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be delicious additions.
Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with a can of lentils or chickpeas, or use your favorite plant-based ground “meat.” Be sure to use vegetable broth seasoning as well.
Spice it Up: If you like more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

This Cabbage and Ground Beef skillet is a fantastic all-in-one meal, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides.

Low-Carb / Keto: This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Serve it as is, or top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
With Grains: For a heartier meal, serve the skillet mixture over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or even egg noodles.
With Potatoes: It’s also delicious served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This is a simple recipe, but these tips will ensure you get it right every time.

A Watery Skillet: Cabbage releases a significant amount of water as it cooks. Solution: Don’t cover the pan while the cabbage is cooking. This allows the excess liquid to evaporate, keeping the sauce rich and flavorful instead of watery.
Mushy, Overcooked Cabbage: No one likes soggy cabbage! The goal is a tender-crisp texture. Solution: Start checking the cabbage for doneness around the 10-minute mark. Stop cooking as soon as it reaches your desired tenderness.
Steaming the Meat and Veggies: Trying to cook the beef, onions, and garlic all at once will overcrowd the pan and cause them to steam instead of browning properly. Solution: Cook in stages. Brown and remove the beef first, then sauté your aromatics. This builds much better flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This recipe makes for fantastic leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
Freezing: This dish freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Cabbage and Ground Beef skillet is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying and delicious meal. It’s a healthy, budget-friendly, and versatile dish that comes together in one pan, making it a true weeknight hero. The combination of savory meat, tender cabbage, and smoky spices is pure comfort food that you can feel good about eating.

We hope this easy recipe becomes a new staple in your dinner rotation! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more simple, healthy meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Q2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, with approximately 9 grams of net carbs per serving, this recipe is a great option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Q3. What can I use instead of powdered broth seasoning?

If you don’t have powdered broth, you can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of a concentrated liquid broth base (like Better Than Bouillon) or use ½ cup of liquid beef or chicken broth and reduce the canned tomato liquid slightly.

Q4. Can I use a different kind of cabbage?

Yes, while standard green cabbage is perfect for this, you could also use Savoy cabbage, which has a slightly more delicate texture. Red cabbage would also work, though it will give the dish a purple hue.