This easy ground beef and cabbage skillet is a one-pan wonder! It’s packed with tasty beef, tender cabbage, and full of flavor while keeping things simple.
The best part? It all cooks together so you don’t have a big mess to clean up afterward. I love enjoying this dish with some warm bread on the side—perfect for soaking up all that goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I sometimes mix it with ground pork for added flavor.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe, but you could also use savoy or napa cabbage. If you want to go low-carb, try using cauliflower rice instead.
Onion and Garlic: These add great flavor! If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead. Keep the ratios lower than the fresh quantities.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or cayenne pepper can work. Just adjust to your taste preference.
Beef Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can easily substitute if needed. Water will work in a pinch, though broth adds more flavor.
How Do I Get Tender Cabbage in My Skillet Dinner?
The key to tender cabbage is cooking it long enough but not too long. Start by sautéing it after your beef and spices. Here’s how:
- Once you’ve added the chopped cabbage, stir it in well with the spices and beef. It helps the cabbage soak up flavor.
- Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps tenderize the cabbage without overcooking it.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to be soft but still slightly crisp!
Don’t forget to taste it! Adjusting the seasonings will make your dish just right.
Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small head of green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should be hot but not smoking.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain some off.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 3 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
4. Spice It Up:
Now stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Mixing in these spices will bring out lots of flavor!
5. Add the Cabbage:
Time to add the chopped cabbage into the skillet. Stir it all together until the cabbage is well combined with the beef and spices.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth (or water) with the tomato paste until it’s smooth. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef and cabbage in the skillet.
7. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the cabbage to be tender but still have a little bit of crunch!
8. Taste and Adjust:
After cooking, give your dish a taste! Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a nice touch. Serve this hearty skillet dish warm on its own or alongside some crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just make sure to season it well, as it can be a bit milder in flavor than beef.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely add other veggies! Consider incorporating bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly along with the cabbage.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the skillet dinner! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
