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 comforting about a warm skillet dish that comes together quickly, especially one that balances hearty and fresh flavors. This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is exactly that—a simple, satisfying one-pan meal that feels both cozy and nutritious.

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 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 because it’s quick on a busy weeknight but still packs a ton of flavor. Plus, it’s one of those meals that feels wholesome without a million ingredients or complicated steps.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together in a skillet, so clean-up is a breeze.
Comforting and Light: The cabbage adds freshness and texture while keeping it lighter than a pasta or rice-heavy meal.
Flavor Boosters: Smoked paprika, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce give depth and a savory tang that makes it anything but boring.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for leftovers and easy to reheat without losing flavor or texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe plays an important role. The beef brings protein and richness, while cabbage adds bulk and a lighter feel. The spices and pantry staples bring it all together with balanced flavor.

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: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef and veggies evenly.
Lean Ground Beef: I prefer lean beef to cut down on excess fat but still get that hearty, meaty texture.
Yellow Onion: Sweated gently, it lends sweetness that softens the overall flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential—it wakes up the dish with its aromatic punch.
Green Cabbage: The star veggie here, it soaks up the sauce while giving the dish a mild crunch.
Smoked Paprika: Imparts a warm, smoky undertone—makes a huge flavor difference.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend that layers in herby, earthy notes without fuss.
Tomato Sauce: Adds a luscious, tangy base that ties all the flavors together.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Keeps it juicy and adds umami without overpowering saltiness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Its slight sweetness and acidity brighten the dish beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, savory depth and a touch of tang.

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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

Personally, I love tweaking this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. You can easily swap out spices or add extras to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in diced carrots or bell peppers along with the cabbage—adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory beef nicely.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne right with the paprika.
Herb Boost: Fresh parsley or thyme make wonderful garnishes that bring fresh brightness to each bite.
Make it Keto: Serve it as is or over cauliflower rice instead of noodles or grains for a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef and 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 Beef

Start by heating half the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it with a wooden spoon, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook it until no pink remains and the beef has released some of its juices—about 6-7 minutes. Remove the beef to a plate to keep it warm. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of brown. That caramelized flavor makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in diced onion and grated garlic, cooking for just a minute until they become fragrant and translucent. Then, stir in the chopped cabbage, followed by smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all thoroughly. Let the cabbage cook uncovered until it’s tender but still slightly crisp, about 7 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step—properly cooked cabbage is key to the texture and flavor here.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet and add tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together well. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and everything heats through nicely. Taste and adjust salt if necessary; sometimes I add an extra dash of balsamic for a bit more tang.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help this recipe shine. Here are my go-to tips that’ll give you the best results every time.

Proper Browning: Don’t rush browning the beef. Let it sear well before stirring to develop those rich flavors.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking the beef in batches if needed keeps it from steaming and losing texture.
Cook Cabbage Slowly: Low and slow for the cabbage keeps it tender but still with a nice bite, not mushy.
Balance Your Acidity: The balsamic vinegar brightens everything up – don’t skip it, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

ground beef and cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a fresh pop of color and mild flavor. A little cracked black pepper right before serving also adds a nice touch. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess—especially if I’m craving some tang.

Side Dishes

This goes wonderfully over fluffy rice, buttery egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes if you’re in the mood for comfort food. For lighter options, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts pair really well, balancing the rich skillet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this skillet nestled inside cabbage leaves like a rustic taco or alongside crusty garlic bread and a side salad. It also makes a great filling for whole wheat wraps if you want to mix it up the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Because it’s a skillet meal, it reheats beautifully without drying out or losing the vibrancy of the flavors. Leftovers often taste even better after the flavors have had time to mingle.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish several times for quick weeknight dinners—just cool it completely, pop it in a freezer-safe container, and label with the date. It keeps well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave works too—just heat in bursts and stir in between to keep it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well if you prefer a lighter protein—just adjust cooking times, as poultry tends to cook faster than beef. You might want to add a bit of extra seasoning since turkey and chicken are milder in flavor.

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the cabbage uncovered at medium heat so steam can escape. Stir occasionally but not too often; letting it sit helps it caramelize slightly, which adds flavor and prevents sogginess. Also, don’t overcook—7 to 10 minutes is ideal for tender-crisp texture.

Can I double this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just use a larger skillet or cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding causes ingredients to steam rather than sauté, which can impact the texture and flavor.

What should I serve this with to make a complete meal?

It’s delicious served over rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. Adding a simple green salad or steamed veggies rounds out the meal with fresh crunch and color.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to cozy dinners because it’s easy, flavorful, and comforting without being heavy. I hope you find yourself wishing you made it sooner—trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy nights. Give it a try, and let me know how you like to put your own spin on it!