Name: Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 1/2 head green cabbage, core removed and chopped into bite sized pieces (about 5 cups); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

There's something wonderfully comforting about one-pan meals that come together quickly but taste like you've spent hours in the kitchen. This Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe is exactly that—hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Trust me, it’s a go-to when I want dinner on the table fast without sacrificing any taste.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with a cooked mix of chopped cabbage and ground meat. The cabbage is soft, light orange and pale yellow, coated with a thin layer of sauce, while the ground meat is brown and crumbled, spread evenly throughout the dish. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pan, partially stirring the ingredients. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the cabbage and meat mixture looks warm and slightly oily with some spices sprinkled on top photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I really get excited about recipes like this because they turn humble ingredients into something totally satisfying. The combination of ground beef and cabbage creates a cozy, rustic dish that’s packed with flavor but requires minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome meal without a long prep.

Simple One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less clean-up and more time to relax.
Flavor-Packed Comfort: Smoky paprika and tangy balsamic vinegar give it a depth of flavor that’s a bit unexpected but incredibly tasty.
Hearty and Healthy: Using cabbage adds a fresh crunch and keeps it lighter than traditional beef-heavy dishes.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap out seasonings or add sides to make it your own style.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish comes to life thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that play beautifully together. Each element balances the savory beef with fresh veggies and a little tang, making it more than your average skillet meal.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a pile of chopped green cabbage leaves, a small heap of diced yellow onion, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark brown balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing light brown beef broth, and a small pile of reddish-brown smoked paprika powder alongside a pinch of mixed Italian seasoning herbs arranged in a perfect symmetrical layout, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
Lean ground beef: Choosing lean keeps it from being greasy but still offers plenty of meaty flavor.
Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Garlic (minced or grated): Essential for that aromatic kick that wakes up the dish.
Green cabbage: Provides crunch and volume while soaking up the seasonings beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Imparts a lovely smoky warmth without heat.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity without overpowering.
Tomato sauce: Brings acidity and richness to bind the flavors together.
Low sodium beef broth: Keeps the skillet moist and adds umami depth.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds brightness and a touch of sweetness that wakes up the whole pan.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory notes and gives a subtle tangy punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavor I’m craving. Sometimes I add a bit of crushed red pepper for a little heat, or swap out the Italian seasoning for a smoky chipotle powder. Feel free to make it your own!

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve tried this with crumbled tempeh or mushrooms instead of beef, and it’s surprisingly tasty with a touch of soy sauce for umami.
Seasonal Twists: Adding shredded carrots or bell peppers works beautifully and brightens the skillet in spring or summer.
Make It Low-Carb: Skip serving over rice or noodles and just enjoy it as is for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe

A close-up image of a round white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is soft white rice with a slightly fluffy texture, and the top layer is cooked ground meat mixed with large pieces of cooked cabbage, both browned and coated with reddish spices, creating a warm and hearty look. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth napkin nearby. In the top part of the image, there is a black skillet filled with the same meat and cabbage mix, slightly out of focus. A metal fork is placed inside the bowl, and the overall scene has a cozy, casual feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

I start by heating half the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, in goes the ground beef, which I break apart with my spatula. Seasoning it with salt and pepper right away helps build flavor. I cook it until it’s just browned through, then transfer it to a plate to keep it from overcooking later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage

Next up is sautéing the onion and garlic in the remaining olive oil—that brief minute where their sweet and savory aroma fills the kitchen gets me every time. Then I add in the chopped cabbage and sprinkle on the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I stir it all together and let the cabbage soften for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Once the cabbage is tender, I add the browned ground beef back to the skillet along with the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Giving everything a good stir, I let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld. This is where I taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes it needs a pinch more salt or a splash more vinegar for that perfect balance.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned that timing and seasoning are key to nailing the best flavor and texture. These quick tips will help you get it just right every time.

Don’t rush browning the beef: Take your time breaking it apart and let it get a good sear to maximize flavor.
Use fresh garlic and onion: They bring an aromatic sweetness that canned or pre-minced versions just can’t match.
Cook cabbage until tender but not mushy: This keeps a nice bite and fresh flavor in the dish.
Adjust seasoning last: The liquid ingredients can mellow spices, so taste before deciding if more salt or vinegar is needed.

How to Serve Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe

ground beef cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh burst and a bit of color. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt also works beautifully if you want a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

While this skillet stands on its own, I love serving it over fluffy rice or tender egg noodles to soak up the juices. Sometimes we pair it with a simple leafy green salad or crusty bread for a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual cast iron skillets or even stuffed the mixture inside large portobello mushroom caps. It looks impressive but is still easy—and everyone loves the personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let any leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep great for up to 4 days, and reheating is a breeze—just pop it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works well too. When I have extra, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and label them. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for those lazy days when cooking feels like too much work.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. Stirring occasionally ensures even heating and helps bring back some of the original texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cabbage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic and has a mild flavor, you can substitute with savoy or napa cabbage. Just adjust cooking time as napa is more tender and will soften faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the core ingredients in this Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands include gluten.

What can I serve this with besides rice or noodles?

It’s great with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

How do I make the dish more flavorful?

Try toasting the spices briefly before adding cabbage to release more aroma. Also, using a good quality balsamic vinegar and not skipping the Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Finally, don’t forget to taste and adjust salt at the end to bring all flavors alive.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners to prepare—simple ingredients coming together for a meal that satisfies you and feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’m confident you’ll find it just as comforting and easy to love. Give it a try soon, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!