Hearty Ground Beef And Cabbage Recipe Easy Weeknight Meal

Q: Is beef and cabbage good for you?

Yes, this dish can be a very healthy and balanced meal. It is packed with protein from the ground beef and loaded with fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin C and K), and minerals from the cabbage and other vegetables. To maximize its health benefits, use a lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7). The dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet.

Are you stuck in a dinner rut, staring into the fridge at 5 PM with no inspiration? Do you find yourself making the same three or four meals on repeat, much to the dismay of your family (and your own taste buds)? It’s a common struggle: finding a meal that’s fast, made with affordable ingredients, and is actually something everyone will eat without complaint.

The daily grind leaves little room for complicated recipes. You need something that doesn’t require a dozen specialized ingredients or an hour of chopping and simmering. The challenge is finding that perfect balance—a dish that is budget-friendly, packed with flavor, and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to wash. It’s the weeknight dinner unicorn we’re all searching for.

This hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet is a complete one-pan meal ready in about 20 minutes. It combines savory ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce for an easy, budget-friendly weeknight dinner solution that’s both satisfying and delicious. After making this dish dozens of times, I’ve perfected the balance of seasonings and the cooking technique to ensure the cabbage is tender-crisp, not soggy. It’s the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma.

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Tired of Boring Weeknight Dinners? This Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe is Your 20-Minute Solution

Let’s be honest, the combination of ground beef and cabbage might not sound like the most exciting meal at first glance. But I’m here to tell you that this simple pairing is the secret to one of the most satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly fast weeknight meals you can make. This one-pan wonder transforms humble, budget-friendly ingredients into a hearty skillet dinner that feels like pure comfort food.

This isn’t just another boring recipe; it’s a versatile template for a delicious meal that you can customize to your family’s tastes. Forget the idea of bland, boiled cabbage. We’re talking about perfectly tender-crisp cabbage that soaks up the savory flavors of browned beef, aromatics, and a rich, seasoned tomato sauce. It’s a complete meal that delivers on every level: speed, flavor, and minimal cleanup. This is the simple ground beef and cabbage recipe that will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

The Only Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This is the foundational recipe, the classic version that stands tall on its own. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Using 90/10 lean ground beef means you won’t need to drain off excess fat, saving a step and keeping all that delicious, browned flavor right in the pan. Every ingredient serves a purpose, coming together to create a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

Why This Recipe Works

This has become our go-to recipe on busy nights for a few key reasons. It excels because it’s incredibly fast, requires only one pan, uses affordable ingredients, and is endlessly versatile. It’s the perfect base recipe that you can either enjoy as is or use as a starting point for the exciting variations we’ll explore later.

Ready in 20 Minutes: Seriously. From starting the prep to serving, you’re looking at about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those chaotic weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet or Dutch oven, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable pantry staples like ground beef, cabbage, and canned tomatoes, this meal is as easy on your wallet as it is on your schedule.
Incredibly Versatile: Think of this as your blank canvas. As you’ll see below, you can easily transform it into an Asian-inspired stir-fry, a cheesy casserole, or a spicy Southern skillet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need lean ground beef, a head of green cabbage, an onion, canned tomatoes, and a few common seasonings. These are ingredients you might already have on hand, making it a perfect last-minute dinner idea.

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 lb Lean Ground Beef (90/10): Using a leaner ground beef means less grease to drain. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted.
1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 small head Green Cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups): A standard green cabbage works best for its texture and mild flavor.
1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: The juice from the can helps create the sauce.
1/2 cup Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture.
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Following these steps will give you a perfectly cooked ground beef and cabbage skillet every time. The key is to build layers of flavor, starting with browning the beef and ending with simmering the cabbage to the perfect tenderness.

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. If you’re not using lean beef, drain off any excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it’s fragrant.
Bloom the Spices: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper directly into the skillet. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds. This step, known as “blooming,” toasts the spices and unlocks a much deeper flavor.
Combine & Simmer: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the beef broth. Stir everything together, using your spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Wilt the Cabbage: Add all of the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will look like a mountain, but don’t worry—it cooks down significantly. Give it a good stir to combine it with the sauce, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook to Perfection: Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice. The goal is for the cabbage to be tender but still have a slight bite (tender-crisp). If you prefer softer cabbage, you can let it simmer for a few minutes longer.
Serve: Give it a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to crowd the pan with cabbage in step 5. Covering the skillet creates steam, which is essential for wilting the cabbage down quickly and evenly without it becoming watery.

Pin this classic recipe for your next busy weeknight!

3 Delicious Twists to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage “Not Boring”

While the classic recipe is fantastic, sometimes you need to shake things up. This is where the true power of this dish shines. Think of that base recipe as your starting point for a culinary adventure. We’ve tested these variations extensively to guarantee they’re not just different, but absolutely delicious. Here are our family’s three favorite ways to reinvent this classic dish, transforming it from a simple skillet into something new and exciting.

1. Asian-Inspired ‘Egg Roll in a Bowl’

This variation captures all the savory, addictive flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper. By swapping Italian seasonings for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, you create a fast and flavorful ground beef and cabbage stir fry. It’s a fantastic low-carb alternative that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredient Swaps & Additions:
- Omit: Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Diced Tomatoes.
- Reduce: Beef Broth to 1/4 cup (or use water).
- Add: 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger, 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 chopped green onions (scallions), and Sriracha to taste.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Follow steps 1 & 2 of the main recipe (brown beef, cook onion). Add the minced ginger along with the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Instead of adding tomatoes and a larger amount of broth, pour in the soy sauce and the 1/4 cup of water or beef broth.
3. Add the cabbage and stir-fry over medium-high heat. Keep the skillet uncovered and stir frequently for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the toasted sesame oil, the chopped green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha for heat. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, use pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) or thinly slice your cabbage. Cooking it quickly over higher heat uncovered ensures it stir-fries to a perfect crisp-tender texture rather than steaming and becoming soft.

Love Asian flavors? Save this ‘Egg Roll in a Bowl’ idea!

2. Creamy Cabbage Roll Skillet

Get the comforting, nostalgic flavor of cabbage rolls without all the tedious work of stuffing and rolling. This variation transforms the skillet into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly decadent unstuffed cabbage roll casserole. The addition of sour cream and melted cheese makes it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredient Swaps & Additions:
- Swap: Diced Tomatoes for 1 (15 oz) can of Tomato Sauce.
- Add: 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier meal), 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Follow steps 1-5 of the main recipe, but use the can of tomato sauce in place of the diced tomatoes.
2. Simmer the cabbage until it is very tender, which may take a bit longer, around 20 minutes.
3. If you’re using it, stir in 1 cup of pre-cooked rice.
4. Important: Remove the skillet from the heat completely. Stir in the sour cream until it’s smooth and fully combined with the sauce.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Place the lid back on the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.

Lesson Learned: Always stir in the sour cream off the heat. Adding dairy like sour cream or heavy cream to a pot that is actively simmering can cause it to curdle or separate. Taking it off the heat first ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.

Craving comfort food? Pin this cheesy skillet recipe!

3. Spicy Southern-Style Skillet

This version is inspired by the classic Southern dish of fried cabbage. By adding smoky bacon, zesty chili powder, and a splash of hot sauce, you create a deeply savory and spicy ground beef skillet with a soulful, comforting kick.

Ingredient Swaps & Additions:
- Omit: Italian Seasoning.
- Add: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Texas Pete).
- Optional but Recommended: Cook 2 strips of bacon first and use the drippings instead of olive oil; add 1 chopped green bell pepper along with the onion.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. If using bacon, chop it and cook it in your skillet over medium heat until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered drippings in the pan. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
2. Sauté the onion (and bell pepper, if using) in the bacon drippings until softened. Proceed with browning the ground beef as described in the main recipe.
3. When it’s time to bloom the spices, add the chili powder and cumin along with the salt and pepper.
4. When you pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, also stir in the Worcestershire sauce and a few dashes of hot sauce.
5. Proceed with the recipe as written, simmering the cabbage until tender. Just before serving, stir the crumbled bacon back into the skillet.

Pro-Tip: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory ‘umami’ flavor that you can’t quite put your finger on but makes a huge difference. It perfectly complements the savory beef and the smoky spices in this Southern-style version.

Add some spice to your life! Save this Southern-style skillet idea.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Ground Beef and Cabbage

To make this dish a success every time, just remember these key points. This is a forgiving recipe, perfect for meal prep, and easy to serve in various ways.

Best Cabbage Texture: The cooking time determines the texture. For tender-crisp cabbage with a slight bite, simmer it covered for 10-15 minutes. If you prefer very soft, fully tender cabbage, let it go for 20-25 minutes.
Meal Prep Champion: This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and get even better overnight.
Serving Ideas: It’s a complete low-carb meal on its own. For a heartier dinner, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Freezer-Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

Who knew that two simple ingredients like ground beef and cabbage could create a meal that is so satisfying, versatile, and incredibly easy to make? This recipe is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a solution to the weeknight cooking grind. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to put a delicious and wholesome meal on the table.

Whether you stick with the classic skillet, venture into the Asian-inspired ‘Egg Roll in a Bowl’, indulge in the creamy Cabbage Roll Casserole, or spice things up with the Southern-style version, you’re guaranteed a winner. This is a recipe to keep in your back pocket for those nights when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Which variation are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below

Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe Easy Weeknight Meal

Tired of Boring Weeknight Dinners? This Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe is Your 20-Minute Solution