This hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is an easy, flavorful one-pan meal made with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, garlic, onions, and delicious spices. It’s budget-friendly, comforting, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Recipe Details
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 25–30 minutes
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Total time: 40–45 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
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1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained slightly (optional)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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½ cup beef broth or water
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut it into quarters, remove the core, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add onion and garlic
Add olive oil if the pan is dry. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Season the beef
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin if using, black pepper, salt, chili flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Add the cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage in batches if needed, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth or water. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Remove the lid and cook for another 3–5 minutes if excess liquid remains. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cabbage and Ground Beef
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Choose lean ground beef: 85–90% lean beef provides good flavor without too much excess grease.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Add cabbage in batches if necessary so it wilts evenly.
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Adjust the texture: Cook longer for softer cabbage or for less time if you prefer it slightly crisp.
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Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes.
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Add more vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.
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For a low-carb meal: Serve as is or with cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with It
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Steamed rice
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Mashed potatoes
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Crusty bread
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Cauliflower rice
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A fresh cucumber and tomato salad
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality.
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Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated throughout. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without tomatoes?
Yes. Skip the tomatoes and tomato paste, and use beef broth with your favorite seasonings. The dish will have a more savory, less tangy flavor.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Add a little olive oil if needed to prevent the meat from drying out.
3. How do I keep the cabbage from becoming watery?
Avoid adding too much broth, and uncover the skillet at the end to let excess moisture evaporate.
4. Is cabbage and ground beef good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and makes a convenient lunch or dinner for busy days.
5. Can I add cheese?
Yes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the finished dish, cover briefly, and let the cheese melt before serving.
6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can fit many low-carb eating plans when made without sugar-containing sauces and served without rice or potatoes. The exact carbohydrate content depends on the ingredients and portion size.
Enjoy this delicious Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet — a simple, satisfying, one-pan dinner packed with savory flavor! 🥬🍽️