Name: Ground Beef and 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 so comforting about a one-pan meal that feels hearty without the fuss. This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe hits all the right notes — it’s savory, nourishing, and packed with flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get some greens on your plate without a salad.

A black cast iron pan filled with cooked cabbage and ground beef mixed together. The cabbage is cut into rough, wide strips with a light yellow and orange color from the cooking juices and spices. The ground beef is crumbled into small pieces, brown in color, scattered evenly throughout the cabbage. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, partially lifting some of the mixture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. 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 and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe countless times when I want something quick, satisfying, and a little different from the usual pasta or tacos. It’s that perfect marriage of simple ingredients turned into a rich, flavorful meal that feels homemade but comes together fast.

Made in One Skillet: Cleanup is a snap since everything cooks in the same pan, saving you time and effort.
Balanced and Hearty: The lean ground beef adds protein, while cabbage brings fiber and a subtle sweetness.
Flavor Boosters: Smoked paprika, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce create depth you wouldn’t expect from such a simple dish.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to suit what you have or your taste preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. You’ll find it’s both budget-friendly and forgiving if you need to tweak quantities or swap out similar pantry staples.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves with pale papery skins, several large crisp green cabbage leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown low sodium beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl with dark glossy balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with thick brown Worcestershire sauce, and two small white ceramic bowls with warm reddish smoked paprika powder and mixed Italian seasoning herbs, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and sauté the veggies without sticking.
Lean Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein without too much fat, keeping the skillet lighter.
Diced Yellow Onion: Offers a sweet, aromatic base that softens during cooking.
Garlic: Brings that unmistakable savory punch that brightens the whole dish.
Green Cabbage: Bulk up the meal with some crunchy, subtly sweet greens—choose fresh and firm heads for best texture.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth without heat—be generous here for that signature taste.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend that layers in herby notes with minimal fuss.
Tomato Sauce: Provides acidity and depth, binding the ingredients into a cohesive, saucy skillet.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Keeps things juicy and helps meld the flavors without overpowering.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang to brighten the savory notes.
Worcestershire Sauce: Imparts umami and complexity that makes this skillet taste restaurant-quality.

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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

This skillet is like a blank canvas—you can easily tweak it to fit your style or pantry constraints. I often switch up the protein or add spicy elements depending on my mood, and I encourage you to do the same.

Variation: On colder days, I like stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or swapping smoked paprika for chipotle powder for a smoky heat kick that warms you right up.
Vegetarian Option: Try replacing ground beef with diced mushrooms or crumbled tempeh for a hearty plant-based version that still satisfies.
Seasonal Spin: Add shredded carrots or bell peppers in with the cabbage for extra color and sweetness during spring or summer months.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top just before serving—melts beautifully and adds richness.

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

A white bowl holds a serving of white rice as the bottom layer, soft and slightly clumped. On top, there is a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with cooked cabbage pieces, both coated in a light reddish-brown sauce giving a warm, rich color. A silver fork rests in the bowl on the left side, partially sticking into the rice and meat mix. In the background, a black pan filled with more of the meat and cabbage mixture sits on a white marbled surface, with a crumpled white cloth napkin lying beside the bowl. The lighting highlights the texture and slight shine of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Care

Start by heating half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season it liberally with salt and fresh black pepper to bring out the flavor. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. When it’s perfectly cooked, scoop the beef out onto a plate and set aside. Don’t rush this step; good browning gives the dish its deep, meaty flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Cabbage

Into the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until fragrant and softened—watch carefully to keep the garlic from browning too much, or it might turn bitter. Then, dump in the chopped cabbage and sprinkle the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over it. Stir everything together so the cabbage gets coated evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to caramelize at the edges, about 7-10 minutes. It should be tender but still have a little bite—that texture contrast makes all the difference.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer to Finish

Add the browned beef back to the skillet, then pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a thorough stir so the sauce coats all the ingredients nicely. Let it cook together for another 3-4 minutes, just enough to meld the flavors and heat through. Before serving, taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. The vinegar and Worcestershire sauce add a surprising zing that really lifts the dish — don’t skip them!

Top Tip

From my many attempts, a few little tricks turned this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe from good to great, and I’m sharing those so your dinner turns out perfectly every time.

Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to brown your beef well builds the foundation of flavor—rushing makes it bland.
Keep the Garlic Gentle: Add the garlic with the onions and remove from heat soon if it starts to smell strong or brown.
Cabbage Texture: If you like your cabbage crunchier, reduce cook time by a few minutes; for softer, just cook a bit longer.
Adjust Liquid: If it feels too dry, splash in a bit more beef broth to keep things saucy but not soupy.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef and Cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and bright flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and tang.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs excellently with simple steamed rice or buttered egg noodles, which soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. For something lighter, a crisp side salad or steamed green beans complement the flavors nicely without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this skillet with roasted baby potatoes or even stuffed inside warm pita bread for a fun twist on a sandwich. You can also plate it with a fried egg on top for brunch-style indulgence—trust me, it’s a game changer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep surprisingly well in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. I find that the cabbage softens a bit more on day two but that’s just fine—it tastes even more melded.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently in a skillet on the stove with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but stirring halfway through keeps things evenly warm and prevents drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic here, you can use savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter, more delicate texture. Just adjust the cooking time since napa cooks faster.

Is this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it can be keto-friendly if you serve it without rice or noodles. The ingredients are low in carbs, especially if you choose lean beef and avoid starchy sides.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and reheats easily. Just portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce if I don’t have it?

You can substitute soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar as a decent alternative that brings umami and tang to the dish.

Final Thoughts

I truly think this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner lineup. It’s one of those dishes that’s humble yet bold, flexible yet reliable. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or take forever. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll reach for it again and again, just like I do whenever I want something tasty, filling, and fuss-free.