If you’re craving something warm, filling, and downright delicious that comes together in a snap, you’re going to adore this Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe. It’s the perfect comfort food with tender cabbage, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato base all cooked in one pan, making weeknight dinners a breeze. This dish hits that magical spot between wholesome and satisfying, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss and maximum heartiness. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet recipe is sure to become a favorite fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays its part: from the juicy tomatoes that add tang, to the fragrant garlic and onion building the savory base, and the cabbage that brings a subtly sweet crunch and plenty of vibrant green color.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef perfectly.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this skillet incredibly satisfying.
- Small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a lovely aroma as it sautés.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with warm, rich aroma and depth.
- Green cabbage (cored and chopped, about 6 cups): Adds texture, nutrition, and that signature hearty bite.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Brings acidity and moisture that balances the richness.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and complexity.
- Dried oregano: Introduces a fragrant herbal note.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like some heat.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts on top for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned and beautiful, about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it sizzles. This step creates that meaty foundation full of flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully so your skillet isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
To the browned beef, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This combo is crucial—it sweetens and amplifies the rich taste, making the whole dish irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Now, stir in the chopped cabbage. Let it cook with the beef and onion mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes until it starts to wilt. The cabbage will shrink and become tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors, while adding a lovely texture contrast.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, then stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together well to create a fragrant, hearty sauce base.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
Cover your skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld beautifully. This slow cook brings everything together into a comforting, savory stew.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional) and Garnish
If cheese is your thing, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. The cheese will melt into a gooey, delightful layer. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the dish to brighten the flavors and presentation.
How to Serve Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or even a few chopped green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich beef and cabbage beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings a refreshing tang.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a crisp green salad. Roasted root vegetables or steamed rice are lovely companions, soaking up every last drop of the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dish over buttered noodles or even inside hollowed-out baked potatoes for an extra comforting vibe. You can also pile it onto toasted baguette slices for open-faced sandwiches or wrap it in warm tortillas for a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers, and you’ll find that the flavors deepen wonderfully overnight.
Freezing
If you want to stretch this dish’s usefulness, it freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, transfer portions to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it covered to keep moisture in, reheating just until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the skillet feels too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe, offering a lighter alternative without losing any of the wonderful texture or flavor. Just brown it as you would the beef and follow the same steps.
Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, it can be! For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, simply omit the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, then add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for flavor. You’ll still enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can cook the entire skillet recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded!
What’s the best way to melt the cheese on top?
After sprinkling cheese on the finished skillet, cover the pan with a lid and turn the heat to low for 1 to 2 minutes. This melts the cheese beautifully without overcooking the cabbage or beef.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots during the cabbage step to customize the skillet to your taste and add extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying meal any night of the week. With straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps, it’s a fantastic dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to meals for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight fixes.
Print
Easy Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and satisfying one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato base, perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
Tomato Base and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Cook cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt and soften.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
- Melt cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the skillet and cover for 1–2 minutes to allow it to melt.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, omit the tomatoes and tomato paste and season with a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to vary the protein.
