If you’re craving a comforting, quick, and downright delicious dinner that comes together in just about 30 minutes, this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s packed with hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients, combining the savory richness of ground beef with tender, slightly sweet cabbage. Whether you want a weeknight meal that’s fuss-free or a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every time, this skillet recipe delivers warmth, nutrition, and incredible taste all in one pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these simple but essential ingredients lined up is your first step toward making an unforgettable meal. Every item contributes either flavor, texture, or color, coming together to create a balanced and satisfying skillet dinner.
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or your preferred choice): The juicy, savory base that gives richness and protein to your dish.
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups): Adds a fresh crunch and slightly sweet flavor while keeping it light and healthy.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and wonderful aroma as it softens.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of depth and warmth, elevating every bite.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil): Perfect for sautéing and ensuring nothing sticks, plus a little healthy fat.
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the skillet.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to keep it interesting.
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for added flavor): For a subtle smoky undertone that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice): If you like a little heat, this will warm things up perfectly.
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water): Keeps the cabbage tender and infuses the skillet with savory goodness.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for depth of flavor): Adds an umami punch that brings all the ingredients together.
How to Make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and begin breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook it until nicely browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where all those deep, meaty flavors start to develop, setting the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your beef is ready, drain any excess grease if needed to keep things from getting too oily. Then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes softens their texture and amps up that natural sweetness and fragrance that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Seasonings
Now stir in the chopped cabbage along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The cabbage starts to soften as it cooks, absorbing all the lovely spices. This mixture will cook for around 5 minutes while you occasionally stir, making sure nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Soy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce, which adds another layer of flavor and helps caramelize the cabbage. Give everything a good stir to combine. Then cover the skillet, letting it simmer on low to medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow mingling of ingredients makes the cabbage tender and allows all those rich flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
After cooking, give the skillet a taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce. Once it tastes just right, it’s ready to serve. This dish shines best hot and fresh from the pan—simple, hearty, and oh so satisfying.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the deep savory flavors of the skillet. A dash of toasted sesame seeds can bring a subtle nuttiness and fun texture, too. Don’t forget a little squeeze of lemon for a bright zing if you want to elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands well on its own, but if you want to add some sides, consider fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful juices. Crusty bread makes a fantastic companion too, perfect for mopping up every last bit on the plate. Even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet Recipe to the next level by serving it stuffed in soft warm pita pockets or atop a bed of buttered noodles. You might even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh twist. This recipe’s versatility means you can get as creative as you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover skillet to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes just as delicious reheated. This makes it an ideal dish for those busy days when you want dinner ready in a flash.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Divide the cooled skillet into portions, put them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until piping hot, making sure to stir for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe for a lighter option. Just be sure to watch the cooking time since turkey can dry out faster than beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
By default, this dish is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check your ingredients to be sure.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Yes! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Just add them in step 3 and adjust cooking times as needed.
How spicy does this recipe get with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the quantity or leave them out entirely to keep things mild.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage?
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces or roughly shred it, depending on your texture preference. Smaller pieces cook through faster, while larger chunks offer more crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet Recipe is a brilliant blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a dependable weeknight winner, this skillet delivers convenience, heartiness, and that comforting homemade touch we all crave. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how quickly it can become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish is a hearty, flavorful, and quick meal that combines lean ground beef with tender cabbage and aromatic seasonings. Cooked in a single skillet, it’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep but delivers delicious, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean or your preferred choice)
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for added flavor)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Brown the beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess grease: If there is excess fat in the pan after cooking the beef, carefully remove it to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced medium onion and minced 2 cloves of garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add cabbage and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.
- Add liquids: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth (or water) and 1 tablespoon soy sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cabbage to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve hot: Dish out the ground beef and cabbage mixture while warm, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adding soy sauce enhances umami but can be omitted for a low-sodium version.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to round out the meal.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger crowds or to provide leftovers.
