Name: Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (85% lean); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, grated; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 small head green cabbage, sliced thin (about 6 cups); 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

I’ve always loved meals that come together in one pan — fewer dishes, quicker cleanup, and usually, they’re packed with bold, layered flavors. This Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner is one of those humble recipes that tastes like comfort in a bowl but takes minimal effort to make. It’s hearty, filling, and full of cozy textures — think tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, a bit of garlic, and a touch of tomato flavor to pull it all together.

What I really enjoy about this dish is how adaptable it is. Whether you need a budget-friendly weeknight dinner, a low-carb option, or something warm and quick after a long day, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s one of those reliable meals that makes you feel like you’re eating something satisfying and homemade without having to stand in the kitchen for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

One-pan simplicity: Fewer dishes, faster prep, and less cleanup.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage.
Quick cooking time: On the table in about 30 minutes.
Nutritious and hearty: High in protein, fiber-rich, and naturally low in carbs.
Comfort food feel: Warm, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Easy to customize: You can spice it up, add rice, or swap in turkey or chicken.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use for This Skillet Dinner?

I usually go for lean ground beef, around 85% lean and 15% fat. It gives just enough richness and flavor without making the dish greasy. If you’re using a fattier blend, just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the meat to keep the final dish balanced and not overly heavy.

That said, if you’re looking for something lighter, you can also opt for extra-lean ground beef, but be aware it may not have quite the same depth of flavor unless you compensate with seasoning or a splash of broth.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this skillet meal is how flexible it is. You can swap or add ingredients depending on your taste or what you have in the fridge:

Ground meat options: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work just as well as beef.
Cabbage: Use green cabbage as the base, but napa or savoy can work too — just reduce cook time slightly.
Vegetables: Toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and color.
Seasonings: Add a dash of smoked paprika, cumin, or even chili flakes for a kick.
Tomato component: Tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, or even a bit of marinara can be added to enrich the flavor.
Low-carb swaps: Skip the tomato altogether and boost spices and garlic for a keto version.

This dish thrives on creativity and doesn’t mind when you clean out the fridge.

Ingredients for This Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

Each ingredient in this skillet dish brings something essential to the table — flavor, texture, or heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Ground beef: The protein base of the dish. It adds richness and savory flavor.
Green cabbage: This cooks down into tender bites and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and color contrast that balances the savory elements.
Garlic: A must-have for aromatic depth and classic home-cooked flavor.
Onion: Sautéed onion adds natural sweetness and enhances the umami notes in the beef.
Tomato paste: This gives a deep, slightly tangy layer of flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and beef, adding a smooth base of fat for cooking.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the dish just right.
Paprika (optional): Adds a warm, smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Brightens up the final dish with color and a hint of freshness.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your cabbage into thin strips, dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating or finely chopping the carrots. Having everything prepped ahead will make the cooking process go much smoother.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. If there’s excess grease, drain it before moving on.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and garlic directly into the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This is the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 4: Add the Carrots and Tomato Paste

Stir in the grated carrots and tomato paste. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to let the tomato paste caramelize slightly and coat the ingredients. This deepens the flavor and adds that rich, savory backdrop.

Step 5: Stir in the Cabbage

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet in batches if needed. It may look like a lot at first, but it will wilt down as it cooks. Stir everything together and season with a bit more salt, pepper, and paprika if using.

Step 6: Cover and Let It Cook

Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cabbage cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender but still has a bit of bite. If the mixture gets too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth.

Step 7: Final Touches

Uncover the skillet and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh finish.

How Long to Cook the Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes:

5–10 minutes for prep (chopping and grating)
10 minutes to brown the beef and sauté the veggies
8–10 minutes to cook the cabbage until tender

It’s a great choice for a weeknight when you need something quick, filling, and fuss-free.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Use a large skillet: Cabbage takes up a lot of space before it wilts, so you’ll want a roomy pan.
Don’t overcook the cabbage: Aim for soft but not mushy — it should still have a little texture.
Brown the beef well: Let it get some nice color before adding the veggies — that browning builds flavor.
Taste and adjust: A pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar or hot sauce at the end can make all the difference.
Add moisture if needed: A tablespoon or two of broth or water helps steam the cabbage if things look too dry.
Go fresh with garnish: Chopped parsley or even a bit of lemon zest adds brightness to balance the richness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple skillet meal like this one can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

Overcrowding the pan: Cabbage shrinks, but if you pile too much in at once, it can steam instead of sauté — cook it in batches if needed.
Skipping the drain: If your beef is too fatty and you don’t drain it, the dish can turn greasy and heavy.
Not seasoning enough: Cabbage can be bland on its own. Taste as you go and season generously.
Cooking the cabbage too long: Overcooked cabbage becomes mushy and sulfurous — aim for just tender.
Adding tomato paste too late: It needs time to caramelize and blend into the dish — don’t just stir it in at the end.
Forgetting acid or freshness: A splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon at the end can lift the whole skillet.

What to Serve With Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

1. Crusty Bread

Warm slices of sourdough or a rustic baguette are perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes add a comforting, soft base under the savory beef and cabbage mixture.

3. Steamed Rice

Simple white or brown rice works well to stretch the meal and absorb the tasty sauce.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness balances the savory and tangy notes in the skillet.

5. Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb Option)

For a lighter pairing, cauliflower rice keeps it keto-friendly without sacrificing texture.

6. Cucumber Salad

A cool, crisp cucumber salad with vinegar dressing adds contrast and crunch.

7. Fried Egg on Top

Add a sunny-side-up egg over the skillet for a satisfying twist — the yolk adds richness.

8. Pickles or Sauerkraut

Fermented veggies bring acid and crunch that cuts through the warm, meaty flavors beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this skillet dinner store really well, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
To Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate it slightly. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Avoid freezing if you used cabbage that was already close to overripe, as it may become mushy when thawed.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (assuming 4 servings total):

Calories: ~340
Protein: 23g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 420mg
Cholesterol: 65mg

This dish is naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in both protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and balanced option for many diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes, red cabbage works just fine! It will have a slightly firmer texture and give the dish a deeper color, but the flavor is still great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish holds up well in the fridge and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It can be! Just skip the carrots and tomato paste (or use a small amount) to keep it lower in carbs. Stick with lean beef and add low-carb seasonings.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can substitute it with a few tablespoons of canned crushed tomatoes or even a splash of marinara sauce. Just reduce other liquid if needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions. Just be mindful of cooking times so nothing gets soggy.

How do I add more flavor?

Try a dash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or smoked paprika. A pinch of red pepper flakes also gives a nice kick.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes — swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, and follow the same steps. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It is! Just cool it completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner is a go-to recipe in my kitchen because it checks every box — quick, budget-friendly, filling, and easy to adapt with what you already have. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or prepping meals for the week ahead, this dish brings comfort and flavor with zero fuss. It’s a simple reminder that some of the best dinners come from the most basic ingredients — all in one hearty skillet.