If you’re searching for a fast, delicious, and deeply satisfying dinner, look no further than the Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. This vibrant, one-pan wonder bursts with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful tomatoes, all gently simmered together for a meal that tastes comforting and familiar, but with a lively freshness. It’s weeknight cooking at its best: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and not a single bite wasted! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (with plenty of leftovers), this skillet is sure to find a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is how it turns fridge and pantry staples into something special. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding warmth, depth, color, or a pop of freshness. Here’s the essential lineup:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully at the start.
Ground beef (1 pound): The heart and soul of this dish, bringing that satisfying, meaty flavor.
Yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a fragrant background to balance the savory beef.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves add a big punch of aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
Green cabbage (shredded): About half a head works perfectly, offering a tender crunch and absorbing every bit of delicious flavor.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Use a 14.5 oz can for juicy texture and a slight tang.
Tomato paste: Just a tablespoon deepens the tomato richness and helps the sauce cling to the veggies and meat.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a touch of color.
Dried oregano: Earthy, herbal notes that make everything taste homey and inviting.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for pulling all the flavors together—taste as you go!
Beef broth or water: A splash (about 1/4 cup) keeps things juicy and helps all the flavors meld.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top gives the skillet a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by grabbing your biggest, sturdiest skillet and heating up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and let it cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with your spatula as it sizzles. This step is where much of the dish’s savory base flavor is built, so give the meat a chance to develop those tasty brown bits. If there’s lots of grease, go ahead and drain off the excess fat—this keeps your Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet perfectly hearty without being heavy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once your beef is browned, add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the beef and let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion softens and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. This step brings a delicious sweetness and irresistible aroma that makes the whole skillet taste richer.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Time for the cabbage to join the party! Stir in the shredded green cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes. Give it a good toss every minute or so; it will begin to wilt and soften while soaking up those wonderful beefy, garlicky flavors. The skillet may look very full at first, but cabbage cooks down quickly—don’t worry, you’ll have room for the rest.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes, Spices, and Broth

Now, dump in the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices), tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the beef broth or water. Give everything a good, thorough stir so the tomato paste dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed. This is where the stew-like magic happens—the sauce begins to come together, and the cabbage turns buttery and soft.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Cover your skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, giving a quick stir once or twice. When the cabbage is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors have mingled, remove the lid and let it cook for 2 or 3 more minutes. This helps reduce any extra liquid, so you get that thick, luscious consistency the Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is known for. Top with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it up hot!

How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can make your Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet look as good as it tastes. Feel free to add a swirl of sour cream, a handful of shredded cheese, or even a dash of crushed red pepper if you want a pop of heat and color!

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also delicious alongside a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes, a slice of crusty bread, or some steamed rice to soak up all the juices. Want something lighter? Try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—perfect balance!

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, scoop your Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers or serve over baked potatoes. Or, make mini skillets for individual servings—kids and adults alike will love the fun presentation and personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Your Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, tasting even better as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the cabbage stays as tender as when you first made it.

Reheating

Reheat chilled or thawed portions gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. You can also microwave individual servings; just cover and stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken are excellent substitutions if you’re looking for something lighter. You may want to add a little extra olive oil or broth since they’re leaner than beef.

Is this dish spicy?

As written, the Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is mild and family-friendly. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or swap the paprika for smoked or hot paprika.

Can I make this meal vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for cooked lentils, plant-based ground “meat,” or even extra mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian take. Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for extra flavor.

What kind of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is ideal for its tender leaves and subtle sweetness, but you can easily substitute with savoy or even napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven, and be prepared for slightly longer cooking times as the cabbage wilts down. This is a wonderful recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a dinner that’s both simple and soul-satisfying, and that’s exactly what you get with the Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. It’s an easy, comforting classic that tastes even better the next day—so don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly! Give it a try this week and treat yourself to a one-pan wonder that never goes out of style.

Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 head green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup beef broth or water
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Saute Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
Add Cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to wilt.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Cook Covered: Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
Reduce Liquid: Uncover and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce any excess liquid.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

This dish is even better the next day and reheats well.
For a low-carb version, skip the tomatoes and tomato paste.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or top with shredded cheese for extra richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American