Cabbage ground beef

You know those recipes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate? The ones you turn to on a chilly evening, or when you need something utterly satisfying without a fuss? For me, that recipe has always been this incredible cabbage ground beef skillet. It’s the kind of dish that smells like childhood and makes the whole house feel cozy. My mom used to make a version of this, and I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it my own, adding little touches that my family absolutely adores. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple, which is exactly what I need on a busy weeknight. Honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for feeding a crowd (or just my hungry family!) without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s got that rustic, down-to-earth charm that reminds me a bit of a deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie, but with way less effort and a flavor profile all its own.

What is a Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet?

So, what exactly is this magical thing called Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s basically a one-pan wonder that brings together tender, slightly sweet shredded cabbage and savory, Flavorful Ground beef, all simmered in a rich, savory broth with a hint of tang. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but oh my goodness, it is delicious. The beauty of it is how forgiving it is. You can toss in other veggies, play with spices, and it just keeps getting better. It’s essentially a fuss-free, family-friendly meal that hits all the right notes. I call it “skillet” because that’s pretty much where it all happens – one pan from start to finish, making cleanup a dream!

How do I make a skewer of ground beef?

Quick Overview

This skillet is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort. We’ll start by browning some Savory Ground Beef with aromatic onions and garlic, then stir in shredded cabbage and let it all meld together in a delicious, savory broth. The key is allowing everything to simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights or when you just want a comforting, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

For the Main Skillet:
1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works great for flavor)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for an extra savory kick)
1 medium head of cabbage, thinly shredded (about 6-8 cups)
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)

For Serving (Optional):
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, leaving just a little bit in the pan for flavor. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 2: Season and Deglaze

Stir in the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. If you’re using tomato paste, stir it in now and cook for a minute, letting it deepen in color. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add it now and give everything a good stir.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. It might seem like a lot, but it will cook down considerably. Stir it into the beef mixture, coating it as best you can. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt.

Step 4: Simmer and Tenderize

Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Once the cabbage is tender, taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. The flavors will have melded beautifully by this point.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Ladle the hearty cabbage and ground beef mixture into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. This dish is wonderful served on its own, but it’s also fantastic spooned over fluffy rice, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

What to Serve It With

This cabbage ground beef skillet is wonderfully self-contained, but it also plays *really* well with other things! For a classic, comforting meal, serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice is always a winner. The rice soaks up all those savory juices beautifully. If you’re feeling a bit more decadent, creamy mashed potatoes are an absolute dream alongside this. It’s like a deconstructed, easier shepherd’s pie, and who doesn’t love that? For a lighter approach, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette can offer a nice contrast. And if you’re having it for a cozy lunch or a casual dinner, a good piece of crusty bread is essential for scooping up every last bit. My family also loves it with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of applesauce on the side – it’s a bit unexpected, but it adds a lovely creamy tanginess.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet

I’ve made this cabbage ground beef skillet more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate it. First off, when you’re shredding the cabbage, try to get it nice and thin. This helps it cook down evenly and become wonderfully tender. If you have a food processor with a shredding disc, that’s a total game-changer! For the ground beef, don’t be afraid to get a good sear on it. That little bit of browning adds so much depth of flavor. I always drain off most of the grease, but leaving a tablespoon or two helps the onions and garlic sauté nicely without sticking. When you add the cabbage, don’t be alarmed if it looks like too much; it wilts down significantly as it cooks. I’ve found that simmering it with the lid on really helps steam the cabbage and make it super tender. If you like a bit of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of sugar along with the cabbage, or even a finely diced carrot. For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic and onions, letting it caramelize a bit before adding the other ingredients. This gives the dish a richer, more complex taste. And about the broth – using a good quality beef broth really makes a difference. If you only have vegetable broth, that works too, but beef broth really complements the richness of the ground beef. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. Sometimes the cabbage needs a bit more. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of caraway seeds can be a lovely addition, giving it a subtle anise-like flavor that pairs surprisingly well with cabbage.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This cabbage ground beef skillet is fantastic for leftovers, which is a huge win in my book! Once it’s cooled down a bit, I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It usually keeps really well for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually seem to meld even more overnight, making it just as tasty, if not more so, the next day. When you’re ready to reheat it, you have a few options. The easiest way is just to pop a portion into the microwave and heat until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. You might want to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to help prevent it from drying out, especially if it’s been in the fridge for a few days. I haven’t tried freezing this particular dish often, but I imagine it would freeze okay. If you plan to freeze it, I’d recommend waiting to serve it with rice or potatoes until after reheating, as those tend to fare better when stored separately. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s well-wrapped in freezer-safe containers or bags and use it within about 2-3 months for best quality. The key is to ensure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating or freezing to maintain its quality and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet a try. It’s become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s genuinely delicious, incredibly easy, and budget-friendly – a trifecta of amazingness! It’s the kind of meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly satisfying and heartwarming. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekend dinners, or anytime you’re just craving a big bowl of comfort. If you enjoy hearty, flavorful dishes like this, you might also love my One-Pot Sausage and Veggie Pasta or my Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – they have that same comforting vibe! I’d absolutely love to hear what you think if you make it. Drop a comment below, tell me how yours turned out, or share any fun variations you tried! Happy cooking!

Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef and healthy cabbage, seasoned to perfection.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 medium cabbage shredded
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir and cook until the cabbage begins to wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
• Pour in beef broth and soy sauce. Stir in dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

This dish is delicious served on its own, or over rice or noodles. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.