Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

Introduction

When I first tried the Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet, I wasn’t sure how my family would react to a dish that swapped traditional taco shells for cabbage. But to my surprise, everyone loved it! The combination of savory ground beef, flavorful taco seasoning, and tender cabbage makes for a satisfying, low-carb meal that’s both hearty and healthy. The shredded cheddar cheese melted on top adds that comforting, gooey finish that takes this dish from simple to extraordinary. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for those looking for a keto-friendly or low-carb meal option.

This recipe has become a staple in our household because of its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner, a healthy lunch, or a meal that can be quickly thrown together, this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

For this delicious Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 5 cups green cabbage, shredded or chopped (you can adjust this depending on how much cabbage you want in the dish)
• 1/4 cup low carb taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 Tbsp dry minced onion
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Making this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is easy and takes only a few steps. Follow these instructions for a quick and delicious dinner:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to break up the meat into small crumbles. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
2. Add the Cabbage and Seasoning: Stir in 5 cups of shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon of dry minced onion, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated with the seasoning and water.
3. Cook the Cabbage: Continue to cook and stir the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is cooked to your desired level of tenderness. You want the cabbage to be crisp-tender, not overcooked, so be sure to check it along the way.
4. Add the Cheese: Once the cabbage is cooked, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let the cheese melt into the mixture, creating a gooey, delicious layer of melted cheese that brings all the flavors together.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted, your Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is ready to serve. You can top it with your favorite taco toppings or enjoy it just as it is.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet, assuming the recipe makes 4 servings:

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve

This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve as-is for a low-carb dinner. The cabbage and beef are hearty enough to be a satisfying meal on their own.
• With a Side of Guacamole: Add a side of creamy guacamole to complement the taco flavors and add a refreshing touch.
• With Sour Cream or Salsa: Top the dish with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa for added flavor.
• Taco-style: For a fun twist, serve the mixture in taco shells (corn or low-carb options) or lettuce wraps for a fresh take on tacos.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

Additional Tips

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet turns out perfectly:

1. Use lean ground beef: To keep the dish healthier, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Add extra vegetables: If you want to add more nutrients, consider stirring in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the cabbage.
3. Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. If you like a spicier dish, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix.
4. Use homemade taco seasoning: For a more flavorful and healthier option, make your own taco seasoning using spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, avoiding the additives in store-bought versions.
5. Don’t overcook the cabbage: For the best texture, cook the cabbage just until it’s tender but still a bit crisp. Overcooked cabbage can become soggy and lose its flavor.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to try:

• Keto-friendly: This recipe is already low-carb, but to make it even more keto-friendly, opt for full-fat cheese and consider adding some avocado or olives for added healthy fats.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based protein, like crumbled tofu or lentils, and use a dairy-free cheese to make it vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
• Add beans: If you’re not following a strict low-carb diet, you can add black beans or pinto beans to make the dish more hearty and filling.
• Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to spice things up.
• Mexican-style topping: For a more authentic taco flavor, top the skillet with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more complete, here are some great side dish suggestions:

• Cauliflower rice: A great low-carb side that can easily replace regular rice, and it pairs beautifully with the taco flavors in the skillet.
• Mexican street corn: Serve with roasted or grilled corn on the cob for a traditional Mexican side dish that pairs perfectly with the skillet.
• Avocado slices: Add some fresh avocado slices on the side for a creamy contrast to the savory taco flavors.
• Side of chips: Serve with some tortilla chips or keto-friendly chips for an added crunch.
• Crispy tortillas: If you’re not watching carbs, crispy tortillas or taco shells are a great way to serve this dish for a more traditional taco experience.

Freezing and Storage

This recipe is great for leftovers and can be stored and frozen for later use:

• To store: Allow the skillet to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: Transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to help rehydrate the cabbage.
• To reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. It will still be flavorful when combined with the taco seasoning.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef and cabbage mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the cheese and reheat before serving.
3. What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can make your own taco seasoning by mixing cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Mexican blends, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese all work well.
5. Can I add beans to the skillet? Yes, adding black beans or pinto beans can make the dish more hearty. Just be mindful of the extra carbs if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning.
7. Can I make this vegan? Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
8. How can I make this spicier? Add diced jalapeños or

a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the skillet for a spicy kick.

9. Can I add more vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the vegetable content and make the dish even more nutritious.
10. What can I serve this with? You can serve it with cauliflower rice, avocado, or a side salad. For a more traditional touch, serve it with crispy tortillas.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is a fantastic weeknight meal that’s both healthy and packed with flavor. It’s a great low-carb, keto-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or adding some fun toppings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation. With its versatility and simple ingredients, it’s a meal that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a satisfying and delicious dinner on the table in no time!

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