Cozy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe for Families

Crafting a delectable ground beef and cabbage skillet promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Comfort meets nutrition in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Rustic flavors blend seamlessly across every bite, creating a harmonious balance of protein and vegetables.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in a single pan, making preparation effortless and cleanup quick.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction with this classic dish.

Fragrant herbs and robust seasonings elevate the humble ingredients into something truly memorable.

You’ll savor each forkful of this nourishing, budget-friendly dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Hearty and Savory: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Quickly Craft a Satisfying Meal: This ground beef and cabbage skillet delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a nutritious dinner.
• Maximize Budget-Friendly Cooking: Packed with affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage, this recipe provides a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Create a One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free for home chefs.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Combining lean protein from beef with vitamin-rich cabbage creates a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.

Ingredients for Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty, flavorful meat that provides the main protein source for this skillet dish.

• Onion, Cabbage: Onion adds a sweet, aromatic base, while cabbage brings a tender texture and subtle earthiness to the skillet.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture, tanginess, and a rich background flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and create a smooth cooking base.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a deep, concentrated garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes a blend of herbs that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a optional hint of spicy heat to the skillet.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing the flavors of all ingredients.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

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

Step 2: Transform the Meat

Drop ground beef into the skillet with the onions. Break down the meat with a wooden spoon, letting it sizzle and brown until no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Ignite the Spice Symphony

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

Stir everything together to create a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Welcome the Veggie Stars

Fold chopped cabbage into the meaty mixture.

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juicy liquid. Mix until everything looks beautifully combined.

Step 5: Let the Magic Simmer

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

Peek in occasionally and give a quick stir to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Flavor Finesse

Taste and tweak seasonings as you like.

Serve steaming hot alongside fluffy rice or crusty bread for a soul-warming meal.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste during the seasoning step.
• Prevent cabbage from becoming mushy by cutting it into uniform, bite-sized pieces and avoiding overcooking during the simmering process.
• Boost nutrition by tossing in extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the cooking process.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify when reheated gently.

Variations on Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice or bread, serve over cauliflower rice or use zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap Italian seasoning for chili powder to create a southwestern-inspired one-pan meal with extra kick.
• Mediterranean Variation: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and replace Italian seasoning with oregano for a Mediterranean-style transformation of the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Hearty Skillet Meals

• Serve with Crisp Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the hearty beef and cuts through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Match with Rustic Garlic Bread: Slice a crusty baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown to soak up the delicious skillet juices and add textural contrast.
• Complete with Fresh Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the warm, savory skillet dish and add refreshing brightness.

Storage Advice for Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the cooled skillet meal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh vegetables for best quality.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this dish healthy?

This ground beef and cabbage skillet is protein-packed and nutritious. It’s low-carb, high in vitamins from cabbage, and provides essential nutrients from lean ground beef.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes. They’ll provide similar protein content and blend well with the cabbage and seasonings.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños during cooking. You can also use hot sauce or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• What are some budget-friendly aspects of this recipe?

This dish uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and canned tomatoes. It’s economical, filling, and can feed multiple people with minimal expensive components.

Hearty Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet brings rustic comfort straight from home kitchens to your dinner table. Savory meat mingles with tender cabbage, creating a one-pan meal that satisfies hunger with robust flavor and simple ingredients you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces/420 milliliters each) diced tomatoes with juice

Seasonings and Cooking Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the surface. Sauté finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and release a sweet aroma, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef into the fragrant onion base. Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring even browning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and the beef develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly incorporate the spices, allowing them to meld with the meat and onions.
4. Gently fold chopped cabbage into the skillet, creating a vibrant mixture. Pour diced tomatoes with their natural juices, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and create a rustic, hearty base.
5. Increase heat momentarily to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover the skillet and allow the ingredients to simmer for 25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent bottom scorching. The cabbage will soften and absorb the rich flavors.
6. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning as needed. Plate the skillet creation, offering optional accompaniments like fluffy rice or crusty bread to transform this dish into a satisfying complete meal.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
• Chop cabbage uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lower-calorie or vegetarian version.
• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth during simmering to enhance depth of flavor and moisture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg