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

Nothing beats the cozy, comforting sizzle of a one-pan wonder like this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe. It’s simple, tasty, and packs that perfect blend of hearty beef and tender cabbage with a touch of tangy richness you’ll want to come back to again and again.

A black cast iron pan filled with cooked cabbage and ground beef mixed together. The cabbage is cut into rough, wide strips with a light yellow and orange color from the cooking juices and spices. The ground beef is crumbled into small pieces, brown in color, scattered evenly throughout the cabbage. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, partially lifting some of the mixture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. 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

Cooking this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe feels like a hug from your kitchen. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but deliciously satisfying, combining inexpensive staple ingredients into a flavorful dinner that feels special without the fuss.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup almost as easy as the cooking.
Balanced Flavors: The smoky paprika and tangy balsamic vinegar elevate humble ingredients into something vibrant and memorable.
Healthy and Hearty: You get a good dose of veggies with the cabbage and lean protein from the ground beef.
Versatile Serving: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes — all personal favorites I love rotating through.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe come together forming a simple yet deliciously balanced dish. Each has a purpose, whether it’s flavor, texture, or moisture, making the whole more than just the sum of its parts.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves with pale papery skins, several large crisp green cabbage leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown low sodium beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl with dark glossy balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with thick brown Worcestershire sauce, and two small white ceramic bowls with warm reddish smoked paprika powder and mixed Italian seasoning herbs, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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 richness and helps brown the beef and soften the vegetables without overpowering flavors.
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and browns nicely, giving the dish its savory foundation.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that pairs incredibly well with beef and cabbage.
Green cabbage: Offers crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that mellows beautifully as it cooks down.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note that lifts the dish.
Italian seasoning: Introduces herbaceous hints that complement the beef and tomato sauce.
Tomato sauce: Brings moisture and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
Low sodium beef broth: Adds depth without overwhelming saltiness.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a sweet-tart brightness that rounds out the flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives an umami punch enhancing the meatiness.

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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

One of the best things about this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it just the way you like. I enjoy mixing up the herbs or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little kick.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the green cabbage for Savoy cabbage — the texture was softer but still deliciously tender, which I ended up really liking.
Dietary mods: For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or noodles.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers for a colorful twist.
Spice it up: Adding chili powder or cayenne pepper gives an exciting heat that balances the richness perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

A white bowl holds a serving of white rice as the bottom layer, soft and slightly clumped. On top, there is a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with cooked cabbage pieces, both coated in a light reddish-brown sauce giving a warm, rich color. A silver fork rests in the bowl on the left side, partially sticking into the rice and meat mix. In the background, a black pan filled with more of the meat and cabbage mixture sits on a white marbled surface, with a crumpled white cloth napkin lying beside the bowl. The lighting highlights the texture and slight shine of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the ground beef the right way

Start by heating ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula or wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until it's evenly browned and no pink remains. This step builds a lot of flavor, so don’t rush it. Once done, remove the beef onto a plate to rest while you tackle the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté onions, garlic, and cabbage

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in your diced onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute until fragrant but before they brown. Next, add the chopped cabbage along with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the cabbage in those spices. Let the cabbage soften fully, around 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for tender, slightly caramelized edges.

Step 3: Bring it all together

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly, allowing the skillet to simmer for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — sometimes I add a little extra salt or a dash more vinegar for brightness.

Top Tip

Having made this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that help it come out perfectly every time.

Layer flavors carefully: Take your time browning the beef to develop deep savory notes—it makes a big difference.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When sautéing cabbage, give it room to cook evenly; too much at once steams rather than caramelizes.
Season progressively: Adding salt bit by bit throughout the cooking ensures the seasoning is balanced, never overpowering.
Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic shines here, but if you must use pre-minced, reduce the amount to avoid bitterness.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef and Cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang that balances the smoky notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice or buttered egg noodles—the starch soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, mashed cauliflower is a favorite of mine.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the skillet over a bed of creamy polenta or even stuff the cooked mixture inside large roasted bell peppers for a fun, vibrant presentation that impresses guests without extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they'll keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen if you leave it for a day or two, which is a nice treat.

Freezing

This skillet freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps for about three months. When frozen, I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. This helps to revive the moisture and prevents it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this skillet?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just watch the cooking time since poultry can dry out quicker, and consider adding a bit more olive oil for moisture.

Is it necessary to remove the core from the cabbage?

Yes, removing the core is best because it’s tough and can be hard to chew. After you cut the cabbage into quarters, slice out the thick core to ensure tender, even-cooked cabbage pieces.

What can I serve with this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe for a complete meal?

Serving it over rice or egg noodles is classic and filling. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side for some extra freshness and balance.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this is fantastic for meal prep. Make a big batch, portion into containers, and refrigerate or freeze. It reheats well and saves lots of time during busy weekdays.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation. It’s dependable, delicious, and comes together quickly with pantry staples—perfect for those nights when you want comfort without complexity. Give it a try, personalize it your way, and I bet it’ll feel like a new classic for your kitchen too.