Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet — A Hearty One-Pan Comfort Meal

If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and wallet-friendly meal that tastes like something Grandma used to make, this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is exactly what you need.

This humble dish is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious dinner. Tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes come together to create a flavorful, comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

It’s savory, cozy, and packed with nutrients — a classic combination of hearty and healthy that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (use lean for less grease)
1 small head of cabbage, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color and warmth)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Optional for extra flavor:

1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
½ cup shredded cheese (if you like a cheesy topping!)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain off any excess grease if needed.

Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder while cooking to build layers of flavor.

Tip: You can substitute ground turkey or pork if you prefer a leaner or different flavor base.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.

This step is where the foundation of your flavor comes alive — the sweet onion and garlicky aroma start to blend beautifully with the savory beef.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Toss in the chopped cabbage. It might look like a lot at first, but don’t worry — it will shrink down significantly as it cooks.
Stir well to combine everything together.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.

Optional step: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce here for a savory umami boost.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with the juices) and stir everything together.
Season again with salt, pepper, paprika, and any other spices you like (such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes).

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The cabbage will become tender, the flavors will meld, and the juices will create a light, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Once the cabbage is soft and the mixture is thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed — add more salt, pepper, or a hint of spice if desired.

If you like a thicker, heartier consistency, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to reduce any extra liquid.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cabbage and Ground Beef hot, straight from the skillet.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a touch of shredded cheese if you like a creamy, melty finish.

It’s comforting on its own, but also pairs perfectly with:

Steamed white rice
Mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Or a thick slice of crusty bread for soaking up all the saucy goodness

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry ingredients.
One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Comforting and filling: Feels like home in every bite.
Customizable: Add rice, potatoes, or even shredded cheese on top for a twist.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters enjoy it!

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Freeze: Cools and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — perfect for meal prep!

Variations

Cabbage Roll Skillet: Add a bit of cooked rice and a splash of tomato sauce to mimic traditional cabbage rolls without the rolling!
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy Rotel instead of plain tomatoes.
Cheesy Bake: Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar and broil for 3 minutes until bubbly.
Low-carb Option: Skip the rice or pasta and enjoy it as a hearty keto-friendly skillet meal.

Serving Suggestion

Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for extra depth. A side of warm cornbread or garlic toast makes it an even more satisfying Southern-style supper.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is one of those down-home meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s wholesome, hearty, and perfectly seasoned — proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and delicious.

Serve it straight from the pan on a chilly evening, and watch it become an instant family favorite.