Description
Looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s ready in 30 minutes and made in one pan? This Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner is the perfect weeknight solution. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful aromatics, it’s budget-friendly, low-carb, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea, healthy skillet meal, or just looking to clean out the fridge, this easy recipe hits the spot every time. Great for meal prep, family dinners, or easy lunch ideas — and it freezes well too!
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)
Instructions
1. Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, grating the carrots, and slicing the cabbage.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Stir in grated carrots and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the tomato paste develop flavor.
5. Add cabbage in batches, stirring each time to allow it to wilt and make space for the rest. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Reduce heat to medium. Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
7. Remove the lid, stir everything together, and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or pepper as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
If you want a stronger tomato base, add a few tablespoons of crushed tomatoes or a splash of broth with the cabbage.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — add the cabbage in stages so it cooks evenly.
A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef recipes, cabbage dinner, low-carb skillet, easy dinner, one-pan meal