Hearty Beef Cabbage Skillet

This hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet has been my go-to dish for years when I need a nutritious, comforting meal without a lot of fuss. The tender cabbage, savory beef, and rich tomato base come together in one pan for a dinner that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something simple yet filling. Now it has become our family's most requested weeknight dinner, especially during the colder months when we crave something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: 1 pound, provides protein and rich flavor while keeping the dish relatively light. Look for 90/10 or 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and nutrition.
• Onion: 1 medium, creates a sweet aromatic base for the entire dish. Yellow onions work best but white or red can substitute in a pinch.
• Cabbage: 1 small head — adds volume, nutrition, and a slight sweetness when cooked. Choose a firm, heavy head with crisp leaves.
• Diced tomatoes with juice: 2 cans, brings acidity and creates the saucy base. Fire roasted varieties add an extra dimension of flavor.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, helps brown the ingredients properly and adds a subtle fruity note.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, infuses the dish with savory depth. Fresh minced garlic cloves can substitute for even more flavor.
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon, provides a balanced herb blend with minimal effort. Look for versions with basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper: enhances all the flavors and brings everything together. Always taste before serving to perfect the seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Onion:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the chopped onion, spreading it evenly across the pan surface. Cook for a full 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pieces become translucent and begin to soften. The onions should not brown yet but rather sweat to release their sweet flavors.

Brown the Ground Beef:

Add the ground beef to the softened onions, breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. Spread the meat across the entire pan to maximize browning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, continuing to break up larger pieces until no pink remains. Allow some pieces to develop a deeper brown crust for enhanced flavor. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Season the Mixture:

Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all seasonings, coating each piece of meat. Cook for 30 seconds to activate the dried herbs and release their aromatic oils before moving to the next step.

Add Cabbage and Tomatoes:

Add chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat mixture. Pour both cans of diced tomatoes with their juice over everything. Mix thoroughly, making sure the cabbage is evenly distributed throughout the skillet. The liquid from the tomatoes will help steam and cook the cabbage.

Simmer:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching for bubbling around the edges. Immediately reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow everything to simmer for 25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent any sticking on the bottom. The cabbage should transform from crisp and bright to tender and slightly translucent.

Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and uncover. Test the cabbage for tenderness by taking a bite. It should be soft but still have slight texture. Taste the dish and add additional salt and pepper as needed to brighten flavors. Serve immediately in shallow bowls, allowing some of the flavorful liquid to be captured with each serving.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the cabbage transforms during cooking. Many people think they dislike cabbage until they try it this way—it becomes sweet, tender, and absorbs all the savory flavors from the beef and tomatoes. My husband even requests that I make extra so he can take it for lunch throughout the week.

Storage and Meal Prep

This beef and cabbage skillet is ideal for meal preparation. After cooling completely, portion into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify over time, making day two and three even more delicious than when freshly made. To reheat, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes or warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to maintain moisture. While technically freezable for up to 3 months, the cabbage texture changes slightly when thawed, so I prefer to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Simple Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper along with the onions. To create a more Mediterranean flavor profile, include 1/2 cup of chopped olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. You can also transform it into a complete meal by adding 1 cup of cooked rice or pasta during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For those looking to increase vegetables, grated carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini blend seamlessly into the mixture with no other adjustments needed.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own, this hearty skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides. A slice of crusty bread or warm cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter meal, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette. My family enjoys it topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. For entertaining, arrange small bowls of different toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, and chopped green onions so guests can customize their portions.

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This comforting dish never fails to delight, leaving everyone satisfied and eager for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tempeh, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or simply add extra beans for protein.

→ How do I store leftovers of this dish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop further overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep and next-day lunches.

→ What can I serve with this beef and cabbage skillet?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve it alone or with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

→ Can I freeze this cabbage and beef skillet?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, add a diced jalapeño with the onions, or stir in hot sauce to taste at the end of cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for individual heat preferences.

→ What type of cabbage works best in this skillet?

Green cabbage is the standard choice and holds up well during cooking. However, savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage can also work for a slightly different texture. Red cabbage will work but may turn the dish a purple-blue color.