Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

This easy, hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a one-pan meal made with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, diced tomatoes, onions, and simple seasonings. It is budget-friendly, filling, naturally gluten-free when using suitable ingredients, and perfect for a quick family dinner.

The image lists three main ingredients: 1 small cabbage, 1 lb ground beef, and one 15 oz can of diced tomatoes. The recipe below fills in the remaining ingredients, cooking instructions, nutrition estimates, and frequently asked questions.

35–45 min
Total time

4–6
Servings

Easy
Difficulty

1. Ingredients
Ingredient checklist
0/13 ready

Main ingredients

1 small green cabbage (about 2–2½ lb), chopped

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 medium onion, diced

2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and cooking ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed

½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or water

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
2. Detailed cooking instructions
Sautéed Cabbage and Onions – by Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the hard core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
My sister-in-law made this for Easter dinner and it completely stole the show. It tastes incredible and I love that it only takes 4 simple ingredients – Cooktop Cove
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Minced meat with fresh onion on frying pan, Close up raw ground beef meat
Step 3: Add onion and garlic
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – Food Faith Fitness
Step 4: Add tomatoes and cabbage
Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juices, Worcestershire sauce if using, and beef broth. Add the chopped cabbage in batches, stirring as it begins to soften. It may look like a lot of cabbage at first, but it will shrink during cooking.
16 Dinners That Stretch One Pound Of Meat Further – Cook Clean Repeat
Step 5: Cover and simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness. Add a little extra water or broth if the pan becomes too dry.
Hearty Beef and Cabbage Skillet for Easy Weeknight Meals
Step 6: Taste and serve
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices. Let the mixture rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
3. Estimated nutrition information
The following figures are estimates for one serving, assuming 6 servings per recipe, using lean-to-moderate-fat ground beef and the ingredients above. Actual values will vary with beef fat percentage, added oil, and portion size.

Estimated per serving

Calories

250–330
kcal

Protein

20–25 g
Carbohydrates

12–17 g
Fat

13–21 g
Fiber

3–5 g
Total sugars

5–8 g
Additional estimated nutrients per serving

Sodium: 350–650 mg, depending on broth, canned tomatoes, and added salt.

Saturated fat: approximately 4–8 g.

Cholesterol: approximately 55–80 mg.

Potassium: approximately 500–800 mg.

Dietary notes

Gluten-free: Yes, if your broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings are certified or otherwise verified gluten-free.

Low-carb: Generally, yes. The recipe contains approximately 12–17 g total carbohydrates per serving, so it may fit some low-carb eating plans.

Keto: Not necessarily strict keto; check the carbohydrate total against your daily target.

High-protein: Ground beef provides protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Vegetables: Cabbage provides fiber and vitamin C, while tomatoes contribute additional vitamins and antioxidants.

Allergens: The basic ingredients do not contain common major allergens by themselves, but prepared sauces and seasonings may contain soy, wheat, or other allergens. Always check labels.

These are approximate values, not laboratory-tested nutrition facts.

4. Tips for the best results
For extra flavor: Brown the beef well before adding vegetables. Browning creates a richer, savory flavor.

For tender cabbage: Cut the pieces evenly and simmer until they are soft but not falling apart.

For less grease: Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat after browning.

For a thicker mixture: Remove the lid during the final 5 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

For a little heat: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh chili.

For extra vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or celery.

For a richer tomato flavor: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste with the garlic and seasonings.

5. Storage and reheating
Refrigerator

Cool promptly and refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours. Use within 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for about 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in covered intervals. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

6. Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Add a little olive oil if the meat is very lean, and cook it thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
Q2. Can I make this recipe without tomatoes?
Yes. Replace the canned tomatoes with extra broth and add a little paprika, garlic, and onion for flavor. The result will be more like a savory cabbage and beef skillet than a tomato-based dish.
Q3. Do I need to boil the cabbage first?
No. Add the raw chopped cabbage directly to the skillet. It softens while simmering with the beef and tomatoes.
Q4. Why is my cabbage and beef watery?
Cabbage releases water as it cooks. Simmer uncovered for the last few minutes, avoid adding too much broth, and drain excess fat or liquid as appropriate.
Q5. Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes. Cook it completely, refrigerate it promptly, and reheat when ready to eat. The flavors often blend nicely by the next day.
Q6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the onion first for better flavor. Transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for about 4–6 hours or until the cabbage is tender. Avoid adding too much liquid because the vegetables release moisture.
Q7. What can I serve with cabbage and ground beef?
Try steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, quinoa, bread, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a lower-carbohydrate meal, serve it on its own or with cauliflower rice.
Q8. How do I make it spicy?
Add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped chili peppers. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Q9. Is cabbage and ground beef healthy?
It can be a balanced meal, providing protein, vegetables, and fiber. Its overall nutritional profile depends on the beef’s fat content, added oil, salt, and serving size.
Q10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes. Use approximately 2 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes. Add a little extra broth if the mixture needs more moisture.
Q11. How do I know when the dish is done?
The cabbage should be tender to your liking, the beef should be fully cooked, and the mixture should have a savory tomato sauce. Use a food thermometer to confirm the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
Q12. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients, but use a large pot so the cabbage has room to soften. You may need to cook it in batches or extend the simmering time.
7. Recipe card
Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
One pan
Family dinner
Gluten-free adaptable
Yield: 4–6 servings

Prep: 10–15 minutes

Cook: 25–30 minutes

Method: Stovetop

Instructions at a glance:

Chop the cabbage and prepare the onion and garlic.

Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.

Sauté the onion and garlic with the seasonings.

Stir in the tomatoes, broth, and cabbage.

Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.

Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Author
Recent Posts

Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.