Zesty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe: A Homestyle Hit

Whipping up a hearty cabbage and ground beef skillet brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Weeknight meals demand simple yet satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pan wonder, promising deliciousness without complicated preparation.

Home cooks appreciate quick recipes that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Lean ground beef mingles with tender cabbage, creating a rustic dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Take a journey through this delectable meal that promises to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Is a Simple Classic

• Savor Speedy Comfort: This one-pan wonder delivers hearty, satisfying flavors without complicated cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a quick, nutritious meal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Ground beef and cabbage combine to create an affordable dish that stretches your grocery budget while providing maximum taste and protein-packed nutrition for the whole family.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just a single skillet means less washing up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes after dinner.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this recipe offers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.

Ingredients for Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

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

• Cabbage, Onion, Garlic: A classic combination that adds depth, texture, and aromatic qualities to the recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile and create a well-balanced taste.

How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains. Allow the meat to develop a nice golden-brown color for extra flavor.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté these aromatics until they become translucent and release their delightful fragrance, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Welcome The Cabbage

Toss chopped cabbage into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the beef and aromatics. Cook until the cabbage starts to soften and slightly wilt, creating a beautiful texture and blending the flavors together.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Diced tomatoes
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients until well combined, ensuring each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Simmer And Soften

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Plate And Serve

Transfer the hot, aromatic skillet meal directly to serving plates. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish immediately while it’s steaming and full of rich flavors.

Helpful Tips for Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

• Drain excess fat after browning beef to reduce greasiness and make the dish lighter.
• Chop cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Add a splash of beef broth or water if the mixture seems too dry during simmering to prevent sticking.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top before serving or mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley.
• Make this recipe low-carb friendly by using lean ground beef and ensuring all ingredients are low-carb compliant.

Variations to Personalize Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

• Spicy Southwestern Skillet: Replace paprika with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate oregano, crumbled feta cheese, and diced cucumber, then finish with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap cabbage with riced cauliflower, add Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a lighter alternative.
• Asian-Inspired Skillet: Mix in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, then garnish with green onions and a drizzle of sriracha for an eastern flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold cabernet sauvignon or merlot complements the hearty beef and rich flavors, cutting through the dish's earthiness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or rye bread to soak up the delicious tomato and beef juices, adding a delightful textural contrast to the skillet.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top to brighten the dish, introducing a fresh, zesty note that lifts the entire meal's flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Crisp Salad: Create a light cucumber and lettuce salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the skillet's warmth and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Storage Advice for Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled skillet to freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until thoroughly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

• Is this a one-pan meal?

Yes, this cabbage and ground beef skillet is a complete one-pan dish that requires minimal cleanup and cooking equipment.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for variety and different flavor profiles.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and create more depth in the recipe.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Definitely! Cabbage and ground beef are typically inexpensive ingredients, making this skillet meal an economical option for feeding a family or meal prepping.

Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish-inspired cabbage and ground beef skillet delivers comforting flavors that dance across your palate with rustic charm. Savory meat and tender cabbage create a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles.
2. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
3. Introduce shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and allow gentle wilting.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing ingredients until evenly distributed.
5. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, ensuring cabbage becomes tender and flavors meld together.
6. Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to slightly thicken.
7. Transfer the hearty beef and cabbage mixture to serving plates, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
8. Serve immediately while hot, complementing the dish with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Optimize meat browning by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding ground beef, creating a nice caramelized exterior.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10 ratio) to reduce excess grease and keep the dish lighter.
• Chop cabbage uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb meal by replacing tomatoes with bell peppers or using fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg