This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a medley of seasonings creates a flavorful one-pan meal that the whole family will love. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a wholesome dinner option.
Whether you’re looking to simplify your meal prep or craving a dish that brings warmth and comfort, this skillet recipe delivers on both fronts. The ingredients are straightforward, and the cooking process is uncomplicated, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers make for a tasty lunch the next day!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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1½ pounds ground beef
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 small head cabbage, chopped
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2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
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1 (14.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in hot oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Break ground beef into small chunks and add to the pot; cook and stir, continuing to break the beef into smaller pieces, until the beef is completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
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Season beef mixture with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt. Stir cabbage, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce with the beef mixture; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook mixture at a simmer until cabbage is fork-tender, about 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Hearty Classic: Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet
The Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet is a beloved one-pan recipe that continues to earn its place at dinner tables around the world. With its rich, savory flavors and comforting texture, this dish is an example of how simple, affordable ingredients can come together to create a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. Originating from humble home kitchens, this recipe has gained popularity for its ease, versatility, and robust flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children alike.
This dish is particularly appreciated by home cooks who are looking for something filling, nutritious, and quick to prepare. In the busy modern world where time is of the essence, one-pot meals like this skillet recipe shine as a practical solution for weeknight dinners without sacrificing taste or quality. With its minimal cleanup and preparation, this dish checks every box for convenience, flavor, and comfort.
A Nutritional Powerhouse in a Pan
Ground beef and cabbage might not sound fancy, but together, they pack a powerful nutritional punch. Ground beef is rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins—nutrients that are crucial for muscle repair, energy production, and immune function. When paired with cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable known for its high fiber content, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties, this meal offers a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Cabbage is particularly beneficial for gut health, thanks to its high fiber content. It’s also low in calories, making it a smart choice for those watching their weight or looking to include more vegetables in their meals. When sautéed with savory spices and tomatoes, it absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully, adding both texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.
Versatility and Customization
One of the most appealing aspects of the Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet is how adaptable it is. This dish can easily be tailored to suit different palates and dietary needs. Want to reduce fat? Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Prefer a vegetarian option? Replace the meat entirely with plant-based alternatives or hearty legumes like lentils or chickpeas.
In addition to swapping out the protein, you can add more vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These not only enhance the flavor and color of the dish but also increase its nutritional value. You can also control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cultural twists are another fun way to personalize the recipe. For example, you can give it an Asian flair by adding soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, or lean into Mediterranean influences with garlic, oregano, and feta cheese. No matter how you choose to prepare it, the base of beef and cabbage provides a solid foundation for creativity.
Family-Friendly and Meal Prep Approved
Another reason for the popularity of this skillet meal is that it’s incredibly family-friendly. The familiar flavors of ground beef and tomato are well-loved by kids, and cabbage, when cooked properly, becomes tender and slightly sweet—making it more appealing to younger palates. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables to picky eaters without overwhelming them.
This dish also lends itself well to meal prepping. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats easily in a skillet or microwave. The flavors deepen and meld the longer it sits, often making leftovers taste even better than the initial serving. For anyone trying to stick to a meal plan or reduce the temptation of fast food, having a container of this skillet meal on hand can be a lifesaver.
Perfect for Budget-Conscious Cooking
In today’s economic climate, feeding a family or even just yourself on a budget is more important than ever. The Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet excels in this regard. Both main ingredients—ground beef and cabbage—are relatively inexpensive and widely available year-round. Even when you factor in the cost of canned tomatoes and pantry spices, the total per-serving cost remains very low, especially compared to takeout or dining out.
What’s more, it’s a recipe that stretches your ingredients further. One pound of ground beef and a head of cabbage can easily yield multiple servings, which means more meals from a single cooking session. This makes it an ideal choice not only for families but also for college students, single professionals, and anyone trying to eat well without overspending.
Comfort Food That’s Actually Good for You
There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot skillet filled with tender meat and vegetables simmered in tomato sauce. It evokes memories of home-cooked meals, Sunday dinners, and cozy nights in. But unlike many traditional comfort foods that are heavy in cream or cheese, this skillet dish provides comfort without being overly rich or indulgent.
The use of tomatoes brings brightness and acidity, helping to cut through the richness of the beef and balance the dish. Meanwhile, spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes add depth without the need for complicated ingredients or fancy techniques. It’s a reminder that comfort food can still be nourishing and health-conscious.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet meal can be served on its own, there are plenty of ways to round out the plate. A side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls pairs wonderfully, especially for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens.
You can also spoon the mixture over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more filling entrée. If you’re hosting a larger gathering or potluck, this dish can be served buffet-style alongside a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Why This Dish Is Perfect Year-Round
The Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet isn’t bound by season. In the cooler months, it offers warmth and heartiness that’s perfect for cold nights. In the warmer months, it’s light enough to be served with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables for a satisfying summer dinner. Since the ingredients are pantry staples and widely available in most grocery stores throughout the year, it can be part of your meal rotation no matter the season.
Additionally, the lack of dairy or eggs in the basic recipe makes it a great option for those with food sensitivities or allergies. It’s also naturally gluten-free, which is another bonus for those following specific dietary protocols.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet is a timeless and practical recipe that proves you don’t need complex ingredients or advanced culinary skills to make a delicious and nourishing meal. With its balance of protein, vegetables, and spices, it delivers both flavor and nutrition in every bite. Its versatility allows it to adapt to a wide range of dietary preferences and flavor profiles, and its budget-friendly nature makes it accessible to almost everyone.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on the go, or someone simply craving a hearty, home-cooked meal, this recipe is a smart choice. It offers comfort, convenience, and consistency—all in one skillet. Add it to your weekly meal plan and discover for yourself why this humble combination of ground beef and cabbage has stood the test of time.