Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
The Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a weeknight hero that brings together bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and minimal cleanup—all in just one pan! This dish delivers that perfect blend of deeply savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and a hit of smoky paprika, brought together with the delicious golden finish of melted cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of comforting dinner that feels both familiar and fresh, and it comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand. If you’re craving something that’s warming, nourishing, and undeniably satisfying, this skillet meal will absolutely hit the spot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is chosen for a reason. Simple pantry staples are transformed into a colorful, flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s how each component makes magic in your skillet:
- Ground Beef: The star of the show brings rich depth and satisfying protein to the dish—choose lean or regular depending on your preference.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash keeps everything juicy and helps the onions and beef brown beautifully.
- Onion: A small chopped onion adds a sweet, mellow undertone that’s essential for background flavor.
- Garlic: Don’t skip the garlic—it gives the whole skillet its irresistible savory aroma.
- Green Cabbage: Once chopped and sautéed, cabbage becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the tomatoes and spices.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with their juices bring a fresh, bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Tomato Paste: Adds extra body and a concentrated pop of tomato flavor—just a bit goes a long way.
- Smoked Paprika: A little smoked paprika transforms the dish with subtle warmth and an irresistible hint of smokiness.
- Dried Oregano: This herb is the backbone of savory skillet meals and ties all flavors together.
- Salt & Pepper: Always season to taste—these staples make all other flavors shine.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a gentle kick of heat.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): When melted over the top, it delivers gooey, golden goodness.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle right before serving keeps things tasting vibrant and looking extra appetizing.
How to Make Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s deeply browned and crumbly, about five to seven minutes. Breaking it up as it browns ensures every bite is full of flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle in the hot skillet for two to three minutes. This quick sauté releases their natural sweetness and builds a savory foundation that will infuse the whole dish.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for five to six minutes. As it softens, the cabbage will shrink down and soak up all the beefy, garlicky goodness, which is what makes this Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet so cozy and comforting.
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices, along with the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little tingle of heat. Stir everything together to make sure the spices are evenly coated over every bite.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Now, cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently over medium-low for ten to fifteen minutes. This gives the cabbage time to become perfectly tender and all the flavors to mingle. Remove the lid, stir things up, and if you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover for just a minute or two more so the cheese melts into gooey ribbons. Scatter fresh parsley over everything before serving warm.
How to Serve Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley not only brings a pop of color but really brightens up each bite. If you love a little extra zest, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a dash of grated parmesan for that finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough for a stand-alone meal, but if you’re looking to round things out, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, fluffy rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a lovely contrast to the skillet’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet spooned into colorful bowls or try stuffing leftovers into a baked potato for an incredibly satisfying twist. For a family-style spread, offer the skillet right at the table for everyone to help themselves and sprinkle on garnishes to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you’re finished, let any remaining Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days—making lunch and dinner decisions easy!
Freezing
This meal is an absolute freezer superstar. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick homemade dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave (stirring halfway through) or warm everything gently in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. If the mixture looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! This recipe is just as delicious with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground alternative. Feel free to choose your favorite, or mix a couple together for an extra layer of flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish without cheese?
Definitely. The cheese can be left off for a lighter, dairy-free version—the skillet is still loaded with flavor. If you crave a cheesy finish without dairy, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or your go-to plant-based cheese.
How do I keep my cabbage from getting too mushy?
Keep an eye on the texture by checking the cabbage after about ten minutes of simmering. It should be tender but not limp; pull the skillet off the heat as soon as it hits your favorite level of softness to keep everything vibrantly fresh.
Is Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet suitable for meal prep?
Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Store in single-cup portions for effortless grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?
If you love extra heat, double the red pepper flakes, or add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce while simmering the skillet. Or, simply have hot sauce at the table so everyone can spice it up to their own taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a new go-to recipe to your weeknight lineup, Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is truly a must-try. Its bold flavors, ease of preparation, and cozy vibes make it a dish worth sharing with family and friends—so grab your skillet and enjoy every bite!
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Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is hearty and comforting.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion:
1 small, chopped
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced
Green Cabbage:
1 small head, cored and chopped
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14.5 oz), undrained
Tomato Paste:
1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Oregano:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
1/2 cup (optional)
Fresh Parsley:
for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–6 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove lid, sprinkle cheese on top if using, cover for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
