The Best Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe Ever

Crafting a delectable ground beef and cabbage skillet promises a comforting meal that’ll satisfy your hunger in minutes.

My grandmother’s classic recipe inspired this simple yet robust dish packed with flavor.

Crisp cabbage mingles perfectly with seasoned beef, creating a one-pan wonder that’s both nutritious and delightful.

Tender meat and caramelized vegetables combine for a hearty dinner solution that doesn’t demand complex cooking skills.

Rich protein and wholesome ingredients make this skillet a go-to option for busy weeknights.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory goodness that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Skillet Sensation: Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Dive into a one-skillet wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this dish delivers a wholesome, satisfying dinner that keeps everyone feeling full and happy.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a delicious meal using affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
• Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices, swapping ground beef for turkey, or tossing in extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Hearty Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the skillet dish.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation to the recipe.
• Cabbage: A nutritious vegetable that brings texture and mild flavor to the skillet.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and a tangy undertone to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle richness.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance the overall flavor profile with warmth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Beef and Cabbage Skillet Guide

Step 1: Awaken the Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they become soft and glassy, releasing their sweet aroma, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Transform the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the sizzling onions. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, browning it until no pink remains, creating a delicious foundation for your meal, roughly 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir enthusiastically to marry these taste boosters throughout the meat.

Step 4: Welcome the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Gently fold chopped cabbage into the skillet.

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juicy liquid. Mix everything until ingredients become best friends.

Step 5: Create Magic Through Simmering

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything mingle and soften for about 25 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent any ingredient from feeling left out.

Step 6: Perfect and Plate

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Serve piping hot over fluffy rice or beside crusty bread for a complete meal that hugs your taste buds.

Tips for Flavorful Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Toast spices and garlic powder in the skillet before adding ground beef to enhance their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavor notes.
• Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier, more tender results that won't become tough during cooking.
• Pat ground beef dry before browning to ensure proper caramelization and prevent excess water from disrupting the skillet's texture.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots to increase fiber and vitamin content while maintaining the dish's hearty character.
• Let the skillet cool completely before refrigerating, and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

Variations to Try with Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Spicy Southwestern Skillet: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Cabbage Bake: Incorporate oregano, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Finish with fresh parsley for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry: Swap Italian seasoning for ginger and soy sauce, add sliced bell peppers, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an East Asian touch.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute cabbage with riced cauliflower, use lean ground turkey, and add extra herbs for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.

Pairings That Match Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Rustic Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and cut through the cabbage's earthiness, creating a robust flavor experience.
• Zesty Beer Companion: Choose a crisp amber ale or German-style lager that balances the dish's hearty profile with refreshing maltiness and subtle hop notes.
• Crusty Bread Side Kick: Serve with warm, toasted sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the savory tomato and beef juices, adding textural contrast and extra comfort.

Storage Tips for Ground Beef and Cabbage Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for 3-4 days, keeping the skillet meal fresh and tasty.

Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze flat for up to 3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

Pour leftovers into skillet, add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through completely.

FAQs

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, ground beef and cabbage are affordable ingredients that create a filling, nutritious meal without breaking the bank.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Ensure all your seasonings are gluten-free and skip any potential gluten-containing side dishes.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can increase protein by adding beans, lentils, or topping the skillet with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

• Is this meal good for meal prep?

Definitely. This skillet recipe stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Best Hearty Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting ground beef and cabbage skillet delivers a classic one-pan meal that brings rustic German flavors straight to your dinner table. Savory meat, tender cabbage, and rich seasonings combine for a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces/411 grams each) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat with olive oil, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic sweetness, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, methodically breaking down the meat with a wooden utensil. Cook thoroughly until the beef transforms from pink to a rich, uniform brown color, typically 5-7 minutes.
3. Enhance the mixture with carefully measured garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the meat and onion base.
4. Gently fold chopped cabbage into the seasoned meat mixture, creating a harmonious blend. Pour diced tomatoes with their natural juice, stirring to integrate all components seamlessly.
5. Elevate the skillet’s contents to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover and allow the mixture to simmer, transforming cabbage into a tender, flavorful element, about 25 minutes. Periodically stir to prevent ingredient adhesion.
6. Conduct a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Present the hearty skillet piping hot, optionally accompanied by fluffy rice or crusty artisan bread for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, diet-friendly version that keeps the dish’s hearty essence.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or carrots during the onion sautéing stage for extra vegetables and color.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for those preferring less heat.
• Boost flavor complexity by deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the meat, which adds depth and richness to the overall dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 304 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg