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Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a quick and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cabbage is sautéed with savory ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce with beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or egg noodles.

Ingredients

Main 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
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, crumble it as it cooks, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté the aromatics and cabbage: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped cabbage. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  3. Combine and simmer: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
  4. Serve: Serve the ground beef and cabbage skillet hot over cooked rice or egg noodles, as preferred.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
  • If you prefer, substitute green cabbage with savoy or Napa cabbage for a milder flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the cabbage.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated; flavors improve after resting.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.