Cabbage and ground https://recipestasteful.com/creamed-cabbage-and-ground-beef-casserole/beef come together in this quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly skillet dish that’s perfect for weeknights. With just a few pantry staples—like tomato paste, broth, and spices—you’ll transform simple ingredients into a comforting meal loaded with nutrition and taste. Whether you’re craving something hearty yet healthy, or looking to use up leftover produce, this one-pan recipe delivers all the goodness with minimal cleanup.
Let’s dive into how to make it step by step.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Full Recipe: Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Serving Size: 4
Time: 30 minutes
Category: One-Pan Meal
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
🍽️ What Can I Do with Cabbage and Ground Beef?
Cabbage and ground beef are a classic combo that works across all kinds of comfort meals. From quick weeknight dinners to slow-simmered stews, this pairing offers flavor, nutrition, and serious versatility.
🔹 1. Make a Simple Skillet Meal
Sauté the beef, toss in cabbage, a few aromatics, and let it simmer—it’s fast, filling, and made in one pan. This is perfect for nights when you want something hearty without a long prep.
🔹 2. Try an Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
Inspired by classic Eastern European dishes like gołąbki, this version skips the rolling. Just layer cooked beef, cabbage, and tomato sauce in a dish and bake until tender and bubbling.
🔹 3. Whip Up a Comforting Soup
Turn this duo into a nourishing bowl of soup by adding broth, tomatoes, and optional veggies or beans. It’s an excellent cold-weather meal that also freezes beautifully.
Pro Tip: Add beans or lentils to make it even more filling without extra cost.
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce or paste
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 medium to large onion, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1½ tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions:
- Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until soft. Add the grated carrot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Simmer with Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and broth. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to create a light sauce.
- Add Cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage, paprika, more salt and pepper. Stir to combine, cover, and let it cook until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
- Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the skillet, stir everything together, and cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve warm.
Tip: For crunchier cabbage, cook it just until wilted. For a softer texture, simmer longer with the lid on.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve on its own for a low-carb, filling meal
- Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles
- Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist
- Pair with crusty bread for extra comfort
What Seasoning Is Good for Ground Beef and Cabbage?
Seasoning is what transforms your cabbage and ground beef from basic to bold. Because the ingredients are mild on their own, the right spices make a big difference in depth and balance.
🔹 1. Paprika (Smoked or Sweet)
Paprika adds a warm, earthy note and rich color. Smoked paprika works especially well if you want a touch of depth without using bacon or sausage.
🔹 2. Garlic and Onion Powder
Even if you’re using fresh onion, a bit of garlic powder and onion powder amplifies the savoriness of the beef and builds layered flavor.
🔹 3. Caraway or Dill for Eastern European Flair
Want to give it a Polish twist? Add a pinch of dried dill or caraway seeds. They pair beautifully with cabbage and evoke traditional gołąbki flavors.
🔹 4. Crushed Red Pepper or Chili Flakes
For those who like a little heat, a dash of chili flakes gives the dish just enough spice without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
🔹 5. Salt, Pepper, and Broth
Basic but essential—salt and pepper enhance everything. Simmering with broth (beef or veggie) rather than just water adds natural umami that brings the dish together.
✅ Why You’ll Love Cabbage and Ground Beef
- ✅ One-pan cleanup
- ✅ 30-minute total cook time
- ✅ Customizable for low-carb or gluten-free diets
- ✅ Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
👩🍳 Cooking Tips and Easy Variations
With just a few tweaks, your cabbage and ground beef skillet can become even more adaptable to different preferences or dietary goals.
🔹 Adjust the Texture
If you enjoy some bite, cook the cabbage uncovered and for a shorter time. Prefer a soft, stewy finish? Keep the lid on and let it simmer until fully tender.
🔹 Add Bulk with Grains or Veggies
Boost the meal by mixing in pre-cooked rice, quinoa, or diced potatoes. This makes it more filling and turns the dish into a complete dinner on its own.
🔹 Play with Seasonings
Give it a different flavor profile using spices like cumin, curry powder, or even a splash of soy sauce. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
🔹 Make-Ahead Friendly
This meal keeps well in the fridge for a few days and freezes nicely, too. Store it in portions and reheat with a bit of broth to refresh the flavor and texture.
Kitchen Tip: Let the dish sit covered for a few minutes off heat after cooking—this helps flavors settle and improves taste.
Is Beef and Cabbage Good for You?
Yes! It’s a great balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Cabbage is low in calories and packed with antioxidants, while lean ground beef adds a protein boost that keeps you full and satisfied.
🇵🇱 What Is a Polish Dish with Cabbage and Ground Beef?
This recipe is inspired by Polish comfort food like:
- Gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls)
- Łazanki (cabbage with noodles and meat)
Our version is a quicker, deconstructed take that delivers the same cozy, savory flavors — without the extra prep time.
✅ Final Thoughts
Cabbage and ground beef offer a perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and affordability. Whether you cook them into a skillet, soup, or traditional Polish-inspired dish, the result is always satisfying and adaptable. With the right seasonings and a few basic ingredients, this simple pairing becomes a go-to meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize. Add it to your weekly rotation and enjoy a dish that’s as hearty as it is healthy.
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FAQs
What can I do with cabbage and ground beef?
You can make skillet meals, stuffed cabbage casseroles, or hearty soups. It’s a flexible combo perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What seasoning is good for ground beef and cabbage?
Try paprika, garlic powder, onion, and salt and pepper. For more flavor, add herbs like dill, caraway, or a dash of chili flakes.
Is beef and cabbage good for you?
Yes! It’s high in protein and fiber, low in carbs, and nutrient-dense. A great option for balanced, filling meals.
What is a Polish dish with cabbage and ground beef?
A traditional Polish dish called Gołąbki uses cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned beef and rice, baked in tomato sauce.
Easy & Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
- Total Time: 20 mins
Description
Whip up a quick and flavorful cabbage and ground beef stir fry with tender carrots—all made in one skillet and ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
½ of a medium cabbage, chopped
1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
3 tablespoon tomato sauce or paste
½ cup beef broth, or vegetable broth
salt and pepper , to taste
1 ½ teaspoon paprika, regular or smoked
1 medium to large onion
2–3 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
Start with beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until ground beef is cooked and golden brown. Drain the fat if needed and set aside.
1 pound lean ground beef, salt and pepper,2-3 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the grated carrot and cook until the carrot becomes soft.
1 medium to large onion,1 medium carrot
Add tomato sauce/paste and veggie stock or mix in a bouillon cube with water and stir. Let the carrots and onions simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3 tablespoon tomato sauce or paste,½ cup beef broth
Follow with cabbage, add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let simmer under a closed lid (stirring occasionally) until cabbage becomes soft.
½ of a medium cabbage, salt and pepper,1 ½ teaspoon paprika
Return the cooked beef, stir, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and serve while hot.
Tip: I like my cabbage to still have a little crunch, so I only cooked it until it was partially wilted. If you prefer your cabbage fully cooked and soft, just cook it a bit longer.
Notes
The recipe makes about 4-5 smaller servings.
Store the food in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating in the skillet, add a bit of liquid, like water or broth, to revive the flavors.
Storing leftovers:
Stir fries and skillets, like this one, hold up nicely when stored. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also freeze this recipe for later. It’ll keep for about two to three months in the freezer.
Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet when ready to enjoy it again.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer, lunch, Main Course
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Calories: 234kcal
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Carbohydrates: 3.3g
- Protein: 28.4g
- Cholesterol: 81mg