Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
This simple, hearty, and budget-friendly cabbage and ground beef recipe is a great meal for any time of the year. It’s a perfect combination of tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and aromatic seasonings, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. The dish is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 carrot, grated or chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (for a complete one-pot meal)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (for deeper flavor)
- Shredded cheese for topping (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. It’s important to cut the cabbage into roughly even-sized chunks so they cook evenly. Peel and chop the onion, mince the garlic, and if you’re using any additional vegetables (such as bell pepper or carrot), chop them now as well.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break the beef into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink and has started to brown slightly. If you’re using regular ground beef, you may want to drain excess fat after cooking. Set the beef aside temporarily on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter if needed, then sauté the chopped onions over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Cook
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the onions and garlic. If your skillet is full, you can add the cabbage in batches, allowing some of it to wilt before adding more. Stir frequently and cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften. The cabbage will reduce in volume as it cooks.
Step 5: Season and Add the Ground Beef Back
Once the cabbage has softened, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), tomato paste, beef broth (or water), smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Simmer and Let the Flavors Combine
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the cabbage is cooked through and absorbs all the flavors. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add more beef broth or water a little at a time.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After simmering, taste the cabbage and ground beef mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a richer flavor, you can add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce at this stage. If you prefer the dish to have a little more heat, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
Step 8: Optional Additions
If you’re adding cooked rice, stir it into the skillet at this stage to absorb the flavors and warm through. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the dish and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Once the cabbage is tender and everything is well combined, turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot, either by itself or alongside crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or cooked noodles for a more filling meal.
Tips for Success:
- Cooking the Cabbage: Cabbage can be quite bulky when raw, but it cooks down significantly as it wilts. Be patient when adding it to the skillet; you may need to do it in batches if your skillet is small.
- Flavor Enhancers: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving. These acidic components can help balance the richness of the dish.
- Make It a One-Pot Meal: Adding cooked rice, pasta, or potatoes directly to the skillet turns this dish into a one-pot meal. You can also make it keto-friendly by using cauliflower rice instead.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option. Lentils also work well in this recipe for a meatless version.
Storage and Reheating:
This cabbage and ground beef dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This cabbage and ground beef skillet is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and is easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether served on its own or paired with a side dish, this hearty combination is sure to become a family favorite!
