If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome one-pan meal, the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish blends tender cabbage with savory ground beef and a melody of spices, creating a comforting, colorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying home-cooked dinner that feels just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the crunch and sweetness of cabbage, the rich flavor of browned beef, or the warm spices that bring the whole skillet together in a flavorful embrace.
- 1 small cabbage, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base flavor that’s deeply satisfying.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and a subtle acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 cup onions, chopped: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed to softness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder: Boosts the umami and deepens the overall taste experience.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Introduces earthy, nutty notes that complement the beef perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle kick of heat without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky, slightly sweet background flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and heightening all the vibrant components.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbles easily, releasing those savory juices. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy but still rich in flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic directly to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, which helps develop a sweet undertone and elevates the overall aroma.
Step 3: Blend in the Spices
Sprinkle in the cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and bouillon powder. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two. This brief cooking time allows the spices to bloom and marry with the meat and onion mixture, setting the stage for a deeply flavorful dish.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cabbage
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, then toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir well so all those robust flavors combine evenly throughout the skillet. You’ll notice the fresh scent of cabbage mingling delightfully with the seasoned meat.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer softens the cabbage, allowing it to soak up the tomato juices and spices, creating a tender yet textured component to the meal.
Step 6: Season and Reduce
Remove the cover and sprinkle in salt to your taste. Continue cooking uncovered for about 5 minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate. This step intensifies the flavors and perfects the consistency so you’re left with a rich, hearty skillet meal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked through and the cabbage is tender, your Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe is ready to enjoy. Serve it hot straight from the pan for a cozy and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy yogurt also pairs marvelously, cutting through the rich, smoky flavors with creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the juices. For a lighter touch, consider a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables that bring brightness and additional textures to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve straight from the skillet at the center of the table to invite everyone to dig in. Or, get a bit adventurous and stuff the mixture into warm tortillas or pita pockets for a fun twist on the recipe. You can also top the skillet with shredded cheese and broil briefly for a melty casserole vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any lingering odors from transferring to other foods.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, it freezes really well too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months and still tastes fantastic after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture if it feels a bit dry after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef works wonderfully here, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed and season to your taste.
Is it necessary to drain the fat after browning the beef?
Draining excess fat is recommended to prevent the dish from becoming greasy, but leaving a little bit can add extra flavor if you prefer a richer taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives, lentils, or mushrooms to keep that hearty texture and make it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the amount or omit it entirely to suit your heat preference.
What if I don’t have bouillon powder?
No worries! You can use a teaspoon of beef or vegetable broth concentrate, or simply add a bit more salt and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals whenever I need something nourishing, straightforward, and packed with bold flavors. It’s the perfect dish to warm your kitchen and your heart all at once. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try — it just might become your new favorite weeknight comfort food!
Print
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
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender cabbage and savory ground beef, simmered with aromatic spices and tomatoes. This quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, delivering comforting, well-balanced flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned completely. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and bouillon powder. Stir thoroughly and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and meld with the beef mixture.
- Combine vegetables: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the chopped cabbage. Stir everything well to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated with the seasoned beef mixture.
- Simmer the dish: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cabbage soften and absorb the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning and reduce liquid: Season with salt to taste, then cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This step reduces any excess liquid and intensifies the flavors for a richer taste.
- Serve: Dish out the cabbage and ground beef skillet while hot. This hearty meal can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice or bread for a complete dinner.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of black pepper.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
- The bouillon powder adds depth; if unavailable, substitute with beef or vegetable broth cubes dissolved in a tablespoon of warm water.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
