Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

If you’re looking for a cozy, one-pan meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying, Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is your new go-to dish. This recipe brings together ground beef, savory seasonings, and tender cabbage in a simple, no-fuss skillet that packs a punch of flavor. Trust me, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity: hearty beef, crispy cabbage, and a few pantry staples come together to create something that feels both wholesome and comforting. It’s filling, nourishing, and the kind of recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but delicious. Plus, the savory aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Why You’ll Love Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

• One-Pan Wonder: This is a perfect one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup, but still delivers big on flavor and texture.
• Comforting & Hearty: Packed with tender ground beef and savory cabbage, it’s a filling dish that will warm you from the inside out.
• Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, it’s an incredibly easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Budget-Friendly: This dish is made with affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, making it a perfect option when you’re trying to stick to a budget.
• Customizable: You can make this dish your own by adjusting the spices and seasonings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty, flavorful skillet meal:

For the Skillet:

• Ground Beef: The base of the dish. It cooks up wonderfully and adds that hearty richness to the dish.
• Cabbage: Tender, slightly crispy cabbage gives this dish a fresh crunch and a mild sweetness that balances the savory beef.
• Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions bring depth of flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: A little garlic adds that aromatic base that makes everything more savory and inviting.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the ingredients, adding richness and helping everything cook evenly.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds umami depth and balances the savory flavors.
• Beef Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add moisture to the dish, helping everything come together in a flavorful way.
• Paprika: Sweet paprika adds a touch of warmth and color to the dish.

For Seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: For basic seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and cabbage.
• Thyme: A pinch of thyme gives the dish a lovely herbaceous note that complements the savory flavors.
• Chili Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious skillet meal:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the beef and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften but still has a slight crunch.

Step 4: Season and Add the Liquids

Sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring everything together. Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the broth has reduced slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this skillet meal!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving of Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet:

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 330 calories
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Vitamin C: 60%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This dish is a great standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

• With Rice: Serve this hearty skillet over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• With Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any sauce left in the pan.
• With a Salad: A fresh, crunchy side salad with a light vinaigrette would balance the richness of the beef and cabbage beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: If you love spice, add a few sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick.
• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, which works just as well in this recipe.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can easily be reheated in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork will all work well in this dish. Just adjust the seasoning slightly based on the type of meat you use.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A2: Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra firm tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can cook the dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

A5: Yes, this dish freezes well! After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?

A6: Absolutely! You can add chili flakes, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce to bring the heat to your liking.

Q7: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

A7: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just be sure to sauté it until it’s tender.

Q8: What kind of cabbage should I use?

A8: Green cabbage works best for this dish, but you can also use Napa cabbage for a slightly milder flavor.

Q9: Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?

A9: Of course! Feel free to add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Q10: How do I adjust the seasoning for my taste?

A10: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning as you go. Add more salt, pepper, paprika, or soy sauce to achieve the perfect balance of flavors for your palate.

Conclusion

Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a perfect comfort food recipe that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal on a busy weeknight or a cozy dish to enjoy on a weekend, this skillet has got you covered. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and minimal cleanup—what more could you ask for? Give it a try and enjoy the satisfying goodness of this flavorful, hearty dish!

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