If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly, and healthy dinner recipe, this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is the perfect choice. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this hearty meal combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and garlic into a flavorful one-pan dish that’s ready in about 35 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone following a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle. This comforting recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Ingredients

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• ½ cup beef broth (optional if you prefer a saucier dish)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
5. Mix in the paprika, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
7. Fold in the chopped cabbage and pour in the beef broth if using.
8. Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice.
• Pair with mashed potatoes.
• Enjoy with crusty bread.
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make cabbage and ground beef ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

2. Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to three months.

3. What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is the most common, but savoy cabbage also works well.

4. Can I substitute ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives are excellent substitutes.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes. Simply avoid serving it with rice or potatoes to keep it low in carbohydrates.

6. How do I keep the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Cook it just until tender and avoid overcooking.

7. Can I add cheese?

Yes. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese make delicious additions.

8. What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, zucchini, celery, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots all work wonderfully.

9. How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers remain fresh for 3–4 days.

10. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours.