If you are craving a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and bursting with savory flavors, then this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic one-pan dish that brings together tender cabbage, perfectly browned ground beef, and a medley of spices that create a warm, satisfying experience with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers wholesome goodness with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role to build layers of texture and flavor without overwhelming you. From the crunch of fresh cabbage to the aromatic spices, every element contributes to making this dish a balanced and colorful meal.
- 1 small cabbage, chopped: Adds a delightful mild crunch and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a juicy, savory base for the skillet.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz): Brings moisture and a subtle sweet acidity that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup onions, chopped: Offers a soft, sweet background that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a fragrant depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder: Boosts the savory umami notes for a well-rounded taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones that make the flavor profile interesting.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick of heat without overpowering the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor in the skillet.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly, allowing it to develop a rich, caramelized flavor. This forms the hearty foundation of your skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan. In the empty space, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness which beautifully complements the beef.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes along with the bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down and allow it to simmer for about five minutes. This step lets the flavors blend and deepen.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time to add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet to let the cabbage steam and become tender. Be sure to stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the skillet looks dry. The cabbage will soak up all those delicious spices and juices.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Give the dish a final taste and tweak the salt if needed. Every bite should be perfectly seasoned and flavorful, ready to warm you up from the inside out.
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your skillet with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh note that contrasts nicely with the rich meat and cabbage. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread for soaking up all the juices, fluffy rice to make it a hearty meal, or even a light green salad to balance the richness. Each side dish helps extend the meal and adds an enjoyable texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe stuffed inside baked potatoes or wrapped in soft tortillas for a quick and satisfying taco-style dinner. You can also turn it into a layered casserole by topping it with mashed potatoes or cheese and baking until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or reheated dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it covered, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. It heats up beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute that still works well with the cabbage and spices. The flavor will be a bit lighter, so you might want to adjust seasoning to taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper, but the heat is subtle and balanced by the other ingredients. You can always reduce or omit the cayenne if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Just add them after sautéing the onions and garlic so they cook properly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bouillon powder and ensure any added sides are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the skillet a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight, making it even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warmth and simplicity of the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a hug on a plate and fits perfectly into busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I hope you give it a try and enjoy all the rich, homey flavors as much as I do. Once you discover this easy, flexible dish, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe that combines tender chopped cabbage with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This one-pan stovetop dish is easy to prepare, packed with savory flavors, and perfect for a wholesome family meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Pantry and Spices
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Place the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until it is browned evenly, ensuring no pink remains.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir to combine with the beef and tomato mixture. Cover the pan and cook until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water if needed to prevent sticking and to help steam the cabbage.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt or spices as needed. Serve the hot, flavorful cabbage and ground beef mixture immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly to taste.
- Adding a splash of broth while cooking the cabbage can enhance tenderness and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
