Sweet & Savory Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Recipe

Mixing ground beef with chopped cabbage creates a hearty and unexpected culinary adventure.

Comfort meets nutrition in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Lean protein blends beautifully with tender cabbage for a balanced dish that surprises your taste buds.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together in one skillet.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated preparation techniques.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this recipe delivers deliciousness in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to savor every bite of this unexpectedly delightful combination.

Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet That’s Quick and Satisfying

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this ground beef and cabbage skillet in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Leverage affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage to create a hearty, satisfying meal that won't break the bank.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines protein, vegetables, and bold spices in one convenient cooking method.
• Nutritious and Filling: Pack your plate with lean protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, delivering a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage What’s Inside

• Ground Beef: Hearty base protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to enhance the meat's flavor. Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor profile. Fresh ingredients provide the best taste and fragrance.
• Cabbage: Provides texture and nutrition with a slight sweetness when cooked. Green cabbage works best for this recipe.

• Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice blend that adds warmth and complexity. Fresh ground spices offer more intense flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best taste.
• Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Optional ingredients that add tangy and umami notes. Use sparingly to balance overall flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh herb that adds bright color and light herbal finish. Chop finely for best distribution.

Ground Beef & Chopped Cabbage Skillet Steps

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently cook diced onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté briefly to awaken its rich, intense flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a delicious golden brown and is completely cooked through.

If needed, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 3: Enhance with Spices

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to ensure every morsel of beef is coated with these aromatic seasonings.

Step 4: Add Cabbage and Liquid

Introduce shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring it into the seasoned beef.

Pour beef broth over the mixture, creating a moist cooking environment that will help tenderize the cabbage.

Step 5: Simmer and Caramelize

Cover the skillet and let the ingredients simmer.

Stir occasionally, allowing the cabbage to become tender and develop beautiful caramelized edges.

This process typically takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar

Stir to incorporate these tangy, umami elements.

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat.

If you’d like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot directly from the skillet, creating a rustic, comforting one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ground Beef + Cabbage? Here’s How to Keep It Flavorful

• Remove excess grease from ground beef by tilting the skillet and using a spoon to scoop out liquid, ensuring a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Adjust cumin and paprika amounts based on personal preference, gradually adding more to build depth without overwhelming the flavors.
• Cook cabbage just until tender-crisp to maintain its nutritional value and prevent turning mushy or overly soft during simmering.
• Add apple cider vinegar and soy sauce at the end to brighten flavors and create a quick, tangy finish without losing their subtle complexity.
• Skip beef broth and replace with water for a lighter version, perfect for those following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate dietary plans.

Store Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, ensuring to remove excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Sides

• Pair with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Cut through the richness of ground beef with a light, refreshing pilsner that balances the hearty spices and adds a crisp finish to each bite.
• Create Tangy Cucumber Salad Side: Prepare a cool cucumber salad with dill and vinegar to complement the warm, spiced beef and cabbage, providing a refreshing contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Malbec that stands up to the robust meat and enhances the earthy cumin and paprika notes in the dish.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick pieces of tangy sourdough to soak up the flavorful pan juices, adding a delightful textural element and extra satisfaction to the meal.

Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Ideas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the dish's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or crumbled firm tofu, using the same spice blend for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Spin: Add diced bell peppers, swap cumin for oregano, and finish with crumbled feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-style one-pan meal.
• Spicy Keto Version: Increase heat by adding red pepper flakes, incorporate extra jalapeños, and top with crispy bacon bits for a zesty, keto-friendly adaptation.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients are ground beef, cabbage, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and paprika.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a protein-rich, low-carb dish packed with vegetables and lean ground beef, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

No, this is a beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic cooking skills and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Ground Beef And Chopped Cabbage Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and chopped cabbage skillet delivers rustic comfort with robust flavors packed into each delightful bite. Home cooks craving simple, satisfying meals will relish this quick one-pan wonder that brings warmth and nourishment to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1/2 head green cabbage (shredded)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and allowing them to soften and become translucent within 2-3 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic into the pan, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil and continuing to cook until achieving a rich, uniform brown color and complete doneness.
4. Sprinkle cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper across the meat, thoroughly integrating the spices to create a consistent flavor profile.
5. Cascade shredded cabbage into the skillet, simultaneously pouring beef broth and gently intertwining the ingredients to ensure comprehensive distribution.
6. Secure the skillet with a lid, allowing the mixture to simmer and transform for 8-10 minutes, periodically stirring to promote even cooking and prevent adherence to the pan.
7. As cabbage reaches optimal tenderness with slight caramelization, introduce soy sauce and apple cider vinegar, stirring to harmonize flavors and adjusting seasoning according to personal preference.
8. Extract the skillet from heat, optionally adorning the dish with freshly chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
9. Present the aromatic, hearty one-pan creation immediately, ready to be savored and enjoyed.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from ground beef for a leaner dish that reduces overall calorie content.
• Toast spices briefly before adding ground beef to enhance their aromatic flavors and release deeper taste profiles.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives that suit different dietary preferences.
• Control moisture by draining excess fat and choosing lean meat cuts to prevent soggy cabbage texture during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg