Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 cups chopped cabbage; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Highlighted under: Everyday Cooking

I love crafting simple yet satisfying meals, and this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet has quickly become a family favorite. This one-pan dish is bursting with flavor, combining the savory richness of ground beef with the crispness of cabbage, and it all comes together in just 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Plus, it’s adaptable—feel free to add spices or vegetables to suit your taste. Let's dive in!

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:37:37.033Z

Creating the perfect Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet was a delightful challenge. I wanted to achieve a balance between flavors and textures, so I sautéed the beef first, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Then, I added the cabbage, which softened beautifully while retaining some crunch. This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks vibrant with its mix of colors.

One important tip I learned is to season the skillet as you go. By incorporating salt, pepper, and spices gradually, every bite becomes incredibly flavorful. It's amazing how something so simple can bring everyone to the table with smiles!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy dinner
Quick and easy to make with minimal cleanup
Versatile recipe that can be customized by adding your favorite spices or veggies

      

The Role of Cabbage

Cabbage is not just a filler in this dish; it plays a vital role in adding texture and flavor. When cooked, cabbage becomes tender yet retains a slight crunch, providing a pleasant contrast to the savory ground beef. Opting for fresh cabbage will elevate the taste and nutritional content of your meal. You can also experiment with different varieties like napa or savoy cabbage for a unique twist.

When you're preparing your cabbage, aim for quarter-inch slices for even cooking. This size ensures that the cabbage wilts down properly and melds with the beef, absorbing all the savory flavors. If you find yourself with leftover cabbage, this dish is a great way to use it up without compromising on taste.

Customizing Your Skillet

One of the best things about this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors by adding your favorite spices, such as cumin or oregano, to give it a different flair. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also deepen the umami flavors, while fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten up the dish right before serving.

For a heartier meal, consider mixing in other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, when you add the onion. This not only enhances the nutrition of the skillet but also adds a splash of color. Sautéing these extra veggies for a few minutes before adding the cabbage will ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 cups chopped cabbage
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to cook!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.

Incorporate the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet along with the soy sauce and paprika. Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.

Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This skillet meal is excellent for meal prep! You can cook a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply heat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. If you’ve added extra veggies, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist.

If you wish to freeze leftovers, allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dish ends up too greasy, it may be due to excess fat in the ground beef. Choose lean ground beef (at least 80/20) or drain some of the fat after browning the meat. This will not only reduce greasiness but allow other flavors to shine through without being overpowered.

Should the cabbage seem tough or chewy after cooking, it may need additional time. Make sure to stir occasionally and cover the skillet for a few minutes while cooking; this helps trap steam and soften the cabbage more effectively. Adjust the cooking time as needed until it reaches your desired tenderness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work well in this dish.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared skillet for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.