I found this skillet dish by accident when I was craving something simple but filling. This hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet is perfect for nights when you don’t feel like doing tons of dishes or fussing over a complicated recipe. You just toss ground beef, chopped cabbage, some onions and garlic in one pan, add a few seasonings, and you’re pretty much done.
Using ground beef and cabbage together is smart for two big reasons. One, ground beef gives you protein for your muscles and energy to get through the day. Two, cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber but doesn’t cost much. Put them together and you get a meal that tastes good, fills you up, and keeps you healthy without breaking the bank.
Nutritionally, this skillet is like a mini power house. The beef brings protein, whereas the cabbage brings fiber that helps your stomach. Add some carrots or bell peppers and you’re boosting your vitamins even more. It’s easy enough for anyone to make—whether you’re a busy parent or a student who wants to cook without a bunch of mess.
In the next parts, I’ll show you why one-pan meals rock, give you a simple ingredient list, walk you through the steps, and share some tips so your skillet comes out just right. Plus, I’ll include ways to change it up, how to store leftovers, and answer some common questions. By the end, you’ll feel ready to try this recipe and maybe even make it your own.
The Appeal of a Skillet Meal
One-pan cooking is a total life-saver for anyone who’s busy or just hates washing dishes. With the hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet, you put everything into one pan. No extra pots, no measuring cups everywhere, just one skillet on the stove.
It also saves you loads of time. You brown the beef, toss in veggies, let it simmer, and dinner’s done in about 30 minutes. Cleanup is quick too, so you can get back to whatever you gotta do without a sink full of pans.
Another cool thing is you can mix up what goes in the skillet. Want more greens? Add spinach or kale. Want it spicier? Throw in chili powder or hot sauce. Feel like an Asian twist? A splash of soy sauce and some ginger will do the trick.
Flavorwise, the beef gets all rich and savory, while the cabbage turns soft but still a bit crunchy. Those textures play off each other nice. And if you’re feeling extra, sprinkle on cheese, parsley, or even serve it with bread so you can sop up the juices.
Ingredients for Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish. Feel free to swap or skip stuff you don’t like:
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (pick your favorite lean or fattier mix)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (or try Napa or Savoy)
- 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or sweet both work)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best but powder is OK)
- Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or cumin if you want more spice
- Extra Veggies (optional):
- Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini or tomatoes
- Serving Ideas:
- Top with chopped parsley, shredded cheese or a squeeze of lemon
- Serve with crusty bread, rice or a side salad
Detailed Recipe for Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers (optional)
Directions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Add Onions & Garlic: Throw in the diced onion and garlic. Stir and cook until onion looks see-through.
- Stir in Cabbage: Mix in the chopped cabbage and any extra veggies. Pour in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika if you like.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and let it cook for 10–15 minutes. Stir every few minutes so it doesn’t stick.
- Serve: Taste and add more seasoning if it needs. Dish it up and garnish as you like.
Tips for Perfection
- Don’t rush browning the beef. Let it get nice and crispy bits for extra flavor.
- Avoid overcooking cabbage or it turns mushy. You want it soft but still with a bite.
- If you’re in a hurry, pre-shredded cabbage works fine.
Nutrition Information
This skillet is pretty balanced. Here’s a rough idea per serving:
- Protein: About 25g from the beef
- Fiber: Around 4g from cabbage plus any extra veggies
- Vitamins & Minerals: Good dose of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and more
Overall, it’s a healthy dish that won’t leave you feeling guilty, and it fits into lots of meal plans.
Variations of Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Want to change things up? Try these twists:
- Southwestern: Add corn, black beans and chili powder for a spicy, southwest feel.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap Worcestershire for soy sauce, add ginger and a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) instead of beef.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers, here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate: Put in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months, in meal-size portions so it thaws faster.
- Reheat: Warm in microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen ground beef? Yeah, just thaw it all the way before cooking so it browns evenly.
- Is this dish good for meal prep? Totally. It holds up well and reheats quick.
- What if I don’t like cabbage? Try kale or broccoli. They give a similar crunch and nutrition.
- How to make it low-carb? Skip starchy veggies and maybe use cauliflower instead of cabbage.
- What goes well with this skillet? Crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet proves that simple cooking can be delicious. It’s healthy, easy, and you only need one pan. Give it a try and play around with your favorite flavors. Let me know how it turns out and what you added or changed!
Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 large cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups green cabbage, chopped About half a head.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes Canned or fresh.
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
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