Ground Beef & Chopped Cabbage Skillet
A simple, hearty, budget-friendly one-pan meal.
Ingredients
-
1 small cabbage, chopped
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
-
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
-
1 cup onions, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
-
1 tsp paprika
-
½–1 tsp salt (to taste)
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
-
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
(Step-by-Step Description)
1. Brown the ground beef
-
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
-
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
-
Drain excess fat if needed (leave a small amount for flavor).
2. Add onions and garlic
-
Add chopped onions to the beef and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
-
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped cabbage
-
Add the cabbage on top of the beef mixture.
-
Stir occasionally as it begins to soften.
-
Cook 5–7 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and seasonings
-
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice).
-
Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes.
-
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Simmer
-
Reduce heat to medium-low.
-
Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until cabbage is tender and flavors blend.
6. Taste and adjust
-
Add additional salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
7. Serve
-
Spoon onto a plate or into bowls and enjoy warm.
Recipe Notes
-
You can use lean ground beef to reduce fat.
-
For extra richness, add 1 tbsp tomato paste.
-
If the mixture becomes too dry, add ¼ cup water or broth.
-
This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
-
Works great as a keto/low-carb meal.
Tips for Success
-
Cut cabbage into medium-sized pieces; too small and it melts, too large and it takes longer to soften.
-
Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for a savory boost.
-
If you like spicy, add ½ tsp chili powder.
-
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Servings
This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Approximate Nutritional Info (per serving)
(Varies based on beef leanness and ingredients)
-
Calories: 250–320
-
Protein: 20–24 g
-
Fat: 14–20 g
-
Carbs: 10–14 g
-
Fiber: 3–4 g
-
Net carbs: approx. 7–10 g
Benefits of This Recipe
-
High-protein and filling
-
Low-carb and keto-friendly
-
Budget-friendly ingredients
-
One-pan, minimal cleanup
-
Packed with vitamins C & K from cabbage
-
Tomatoes add antioxidants (like lycopene)
Q & A About the Recipe
Q: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes—ground turkey or chicken works great and makes it lighter.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Cool fully and freeze up to 2–3 months. Reheat on stovetop.
Q: Can I add rice or potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Add cooked rice at the end, or small diced potatoes when adding cabbage.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add cayenne, hot paprika, or red pepper flakes.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: It’s great alone or with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.