You know those nights, right? The ones where you’re staring into the fridge, absolutely exhausted, and the thought of making anything complicated feels like climbing Mount Everest? Yeah, I have those *a lot*. But then I remember this recipe, my trusty Cabbage Ground Beef skillet, and it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that’s so satisfying, so incredibly flavorful, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Honestly, it’s my secret weapon when I need a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It reminds me a bit of a deconstructed pierogi, but way simpler and perfect for a weeknight. If you love classic comfort food that doesn’t break the bank, you’re going to adore this. I first stumbled upon something similar years ago, and after a few tweaks here and there, it’s become a staple. It’s the ultimate in “set it and forget it” deliciousness, and my family devours it every single time.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is a Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet?
So, what exactly is this magical dish I keep raving about? Think of it as a hearty, one-pan wonder that brings together tender sautéed cabbage and savory ground beef in a symphony of delicious flavors. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy, but oh my goodness, it is SO good. The “skillet” part is key – everything cooks together, letting all those wonderful flavors meld beautifully. We’re talking about tender strips of cabbage that get a little sweet and caramelized, mixed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, all brought together with a savory sauce that coats every single bite. It’s essentially the ultimate comfort food, simplified. The name is straightforward because the dish is straightforward, and that’s exactly why it’s so brilliant. It’s the kind of meal that feels like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it’s ready faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!”
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Cabbage Ground Beef skillet has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to feel the same way. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. The cabbage gets this amazing sweetness when it’s cooked down, and when it’s paired with savory ground beef, it’s pure magic. It’s not just one note, either; there’s a depth of flavor that comes from the simple seasonings and the way everything cooks together. Then there’s the simplicity. Seriously, this is a lifesaver on busy nights. You pretty much chop, sauté, and simmer. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, actually ask for this. They love how tender the cabbage is and how flavorful the beef is. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly! Cabbage and ground beef are some of the most affordable ingredients out there, making this a fantastic meal for feeding a family without blowing your grocery budget. And don’t even get me started on the versatility! You can serve this over rice, mashed potatoes, or just eat it straight from the pan (guilty!). It’s also surprisingly healthy, packed with fiber from the cabbage and protein from the beef. What I love most about this is that it’s a complete meal in one pan, meaning less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
How do I make a skewer of ground beef?
Quick Overview
This dish is all about simple steps that build incredible flavor. You’ll start by browning your ground beef, then add in your aromatics and cabbage, letting it all soften and meld together in a savory sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for any night of the week. The beauty is in its simplicity; you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve amazing results. Just follow a few easy steps, and you’ll have a comforting, delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
For the ground beef base:
1 tablespoon olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works great for flavor)
1 large onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
For the Cabbage and Sauce:
1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6-8 cups)
1 cup beef broth (low sodium is fine)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for a touch of sweetness and tang)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds a nice depth)
“The Cabbage Ground Beef turned out amazing. My kids asked for seconds. Saving this one!”
For Serving (Optional):
Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven – one with high sides is best so nothing spills out. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned all over. Now, here’s a little tip I learned early on: drain off most of the excess grease. You want enough to sauté the onions, but not so much that the dish feels greasy. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the star of the show (besides the beef, of course!): the cabbage. Add your thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. It might look like a lot, but don’t worry, it will wilt down significantly as it cooks. Stir it in with the beef and onions. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the cabbage starts to soften a bit and turn bright green.
Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce
In a small bowl or directly in the skillet if you prefer, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using). Pour this mixture over the beef and cabbage. Give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure all that lovely cabbage is getting coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer and Meld Flavors
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The cabbage will become tender and sweet, and all those flavors will meld together beautifully. Stir it occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. You want the cabbage to be tender but not mushy, and the sauce to be slightly thickened.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After 15-20 minutes, remove the lid. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes, depending on the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, you might need a little more salt. If it tastes a bit too salty, a tiny splash more broth can help. If you want it a little tangier, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end is nice, but not essential. The goal is a perfectly balanced, savory, comforting flavor.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Once the seasoning is just right and the cabbage is perfectly tender, your Cabbage Ground Beef skillet is ready to go! Ladle it out into bowls. I love serving this over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some simple egg noodles. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but these pairings make it even more substantial and delicious. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, the aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone gathering around the table.
“New family favorite! This Cabbage Ground Beef was so flavorful and ridiculously easy. Crowd-pleaser for sure.”
What to Serve It With
This Cabbage Ground Beef skillet is incredibly versatile, which is one of the things I adore about it. It’s hearty and satisfying enough to be a meal on its own, but when you pair it with the right sides, it truly shines. For breakfast, while it might sound unusual, a small portion leftover from dinner is surprisingly delicious. It’s a hearty start that will keep you full. I sometimes top it with a fried egg – the runny yolk mixes in so well! For a proper brunch, serving it alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs and maybe some crispy bacon or sausage makes it feel a bit more special. It adds a savory, substantial element that complements the other brunch staples beautifully. As a dessert, well, it’s definitely not a dessert! But as a satisfying main course for a cozy dinner, it’s perfect. Serving it over creamy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food heaven, like a savory shepherd’s pie without the potato topping. Or, ladle it over a bed of tender egg noodles for a twist on a classic. For those truly cozy, no-fuss nights when you just want something warm and filling, eating it straight from the bowl with a side of crusty bread for dipping is my absolute favorite. My family also loves it served over simple white rice, which soaks up all those delicious juices.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cabbage Ground Beef Skillet
I’ve made this Cabbage Ground Beef skillet more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think make a big difference. For starters, the cabbage itself. I always choose a fresh, firm head of green cabbage. When slicing it, aim for relatively thin strips – about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures it cooks down evenly and becomes tender without getting waterlogged. Don’t be afraid to pack it in there; it wilts down a lot! When it comes to the ground beef, I find that an 80/20 or 85/15 blend gives the best flavor. Leaner beef can sometimes make the dish a bit dry. Make sure to drain off the excess fat after browning, but leave a little bit for sautéing the onions – it adds so much flavor. Speaking of onions, chopping them finely and letting them soften properly before adding the garlic is key. You want them sweet and tender, not raw and biting. For the sauce, the Worcestershire sauce is non-negotiable for me; it adds that perfect umami depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny bit of smoked paprika in with the beef and onions can add a lovely smoky undertone. And the Dijon mustard? It’s optional, but I find it adds a subtle tang that really rounds out the flavors. When it comes to cooking the cabbage, don’t rush it. Letting it simmer covered for 15-20 minutes is crucial for getting it perfectly tender and allowing those flavors to meld. You’re looking for fork-tender, not mushy. And finally, the seasoning is everything! Always taste and adjust. If it feels a little flat, a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a tiny squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it up beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Cabbage Ground Beef skillet is fantastic because it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day! For storing leftovers, make sure the dish has cooled down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. At room temperature, it’s best to consume it within two hours to maintain food safety. If you’re not planning to eat it within a day or two, the refrigerator is your best friend. Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep well for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually continue to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious. If you need to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, if it’s from the fridge, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce seems a little thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as you would refrigerated leftovers. For a quick reheat in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If you’re serving it over rice or noodles, I always recommend cooking those fresh, as they don’t reheat quite as well. And if you’re someone who likes a crispier cabbage texture, you can even give the reheated leftovers a quick sauté in a hot skillet for a few minutes after warming them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my beloved Cabbage Ground Beef skillet! It’s truly a recipe that proves that simple ingredients and a little bit of love can create something incredibly satisfying and delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort to your table, makes your kitchen smell amazing, and, most importantly, is always a hit with the family. It’s the perfect example of how you don’t need to spend hours or a fortune to make a truly memorable meal. If you’re a fan of hearty, home-style cooking that’s easy on the wallet and your schedule, I really hope you’ll give this a try. I’m always so curious to hear how your cooking adventures turn out, so please, if you make this, leave a comment below and tell me what you thought! I’d love to know if your family loved it as much as mine does, or if you tried any fun variations. Happy cooking, everyone!
Cabbage Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 0.5 head Cabbage shredded
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 0.5 cup Beef Broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef and onions.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir occasionally and add a little more broth if it seems too dry.
- Serve hot.
