If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious meal that comes together quickly without fuss, the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a simple one-pan wonder that balances savory ground beef with tender, slightly sweet cabbage and a rich tomato base, delivering flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend supper, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this dish not only simple to whip up but also full of flavor from every component. Each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and layering the taste that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds richness and substance to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups): Adds crunch, mild sweetness, and bulk to keep things light yet filling.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Provides acidity and moisture, blending everything into a luscious, saucy skillet meal.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional): Boosts the tomato flavor for a richer and more complex result.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a herbal brightness that complements the beef and cabbage.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Helps to cook the vegetables and meat with a silky, flavorful finish.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the onions
Start by warming your olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. This step builds the foundational sweetness and aroma that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once it loses its pink color, drain any excess fat if there’s too much. This step develops the meaty flavor and ensures the dish won’t be greasy.
Step 3: Add garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute. Garlic cooks quickly and you want it to release its aroma without burning, which would introduce bitterness.
Step 4: Incorporate the cabbage
Now it’s time to add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Cook everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently so the cabbage softens evenly but still retains a bit of texture. This is where the dish starts to come alive with contrasting flavors and colors.
Step 5: Add tomatoes and seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir in the optional tomato paste for added richness. Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, then mix well to combine all these fantastic flavors.
Step 6: Simmer to perfection
Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cabbage to become tender and lets all the flavors blend into a delicious harmony that will warm your soul.
Step 7: Adjust and serve
Give the skillet a taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The dish is now ready to be served hot, either on its own or elevated over a bed of fluffy rice, silky mashed potatoes, or tender egg noodles.
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can take your meal from comfy home-cooked to café-style cozy. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will add tasty excitement.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the delicious juices. Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles are classic choices. For some crunch, a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables provide balance and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cabbage and ground beef skillet dinner recipe as a filling for soft flour tortillas for easy tacos or roll it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Another idea is to top it with shredded cheese and bake it briefly for a bubbling, golden finish that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the cabbage might lose a little crispness but will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture and keep it silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well and create a lighter version of this skillet dinner. For a richer taste, ground pork or a mix of beef and pork can be delicious too.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any added sides like egg noodles are gluten-free if you want to keep the entire meal free of gluten.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or add heartier vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to keep it filling and flavorful.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
What are some variations to try?
Feel free to experiment by adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach toward the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add a nice depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you need a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner Recipe is truly worth making. It combines simplicity, nutrition, and great taste in a way that becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Print
Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner 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 hearty and budget-friendly skillet dinner featuring ground beef and green cabbage simmered with tomatoes and spices, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste if using, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well blended.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot on its own or over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Notes
- This dish is budget-friendly, hearty, and great for leftovers.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Top with shredded cheese for a comforting twist.
