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; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a skillet meal that comes together so easily and tastes this comforting. This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is one of those go-to dishes I return to when I want a warm, cozy dinner that’s packed with flavor but won’t keep me in the kitchen all night.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with a cooked mix of chopped cabbage and ground meat. The cabbage is soft, light orange and pale yellow, coated with a thin layer of sauce, while the ground meat is brown and crumbled, spread evenly throughout the dish. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pan, partially stirring the ingredients. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the cabbage and meat mixture looks warm and slightly oily with some spices sprinkled on top 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

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is one of those perfect weeknight winners. It brings together simple ingredients in a hearty, one-pan meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Personally, I love how the cabbage softens just right, soaking up all those savory spices and tangy sauces.

Comfort in a skillet: Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Flavor-packed and balanced: The smoky paprika, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce give a depth that’s hard to beat.
Nutritious and satisfying: Lean ground beef plus cabbage makes this meal filling yet balanced with veggie goodness.
Versatility at its best: You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even enjoy it just on its own for a low-carb option.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is carefully chosen to create a balanced, flavorful dish that feels like it’s been slow-cooked all day — but happens in just 30 minutes. When shopping, look for fresh cabbage and a good-quality lean ground beef for the best results.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a pile of chopped green cabbage leaves, a small heap of diced yellow onion, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark brown balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing light brown beef broth, and a small pile of reddish-brown smoked paprika powder alongside a pinch of mixed Italian seasoning herbs arranged in a perfect symmetrical layout, all 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 fruity richness and helps everything brown beautifully without sticking.
Lean ground beef: Gives you enough protein without too much fat, keeping the dish hearty but not greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed, the base of many great dishes!
Garlic: Brings that classic savory punch you’ll find yourself craving for next time.
Green cabbage: The star veggie here — it softens to tender perfection and absorbs all those spices deliciously.
Smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone that pairs amazingly with beef.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that adds a familiar, herby brightness.
Tomato sauce: Adds moisture, tang, and a slight sweetness that keeps the skillet saucy but not soupy.
Low sodium beef broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering, plus a bit of extra moisture.
Balsamic vinegar: Injects a subtle tanginess and helps balance all the rich flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings a boost of umami that makes the beef taste even more robust.

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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. I often play around with the seasonings or add in extra veggies depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap smoked paprika for chili powder to add a little kick—perfect when you need a spice boost after a long day.
Vegetable add-ins: Throw in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even some mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
Swap the meat: Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter protein option.
Make it low-carb: Skip the rice or noodles and serve the skillet as is with a side salad or roasted veggies.

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

A close-up image of a round white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is soft white rice with a slightly fluffy texture, and the top layer is cooked ground meat mixed with large pieces of cooked cabbage, both browned and coated with reddish spices, creating a warm and hearty look. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth napkin nearby. In the top part of the image, there is a black skillet filled with the same meat and cabbage mix, slightly out of focus. A metal fork is placed inside the bowl, and the overall scene has a cozy, casual feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Just Right

I start by heating half of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season it lightly with salt and pepper right away—this builds a nice layer of flavor. Cook until there’s no pink left and the beef is nicely browned. Then, scoop it out and set it aside. Pro tip: get it well browned but not burnt, because those browned bits add so much depth later!

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Cabbage for That Perfect Tender Bite

Next, I add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and toss in diced onions and garlic. After about a minute, when they’re fragrant and translucent, I dump in the chopped cabbage. It’s important to cook the cabbage until it’s tender—usually about 7 to 10 minutes—stirring occasionally so it softens evenly but still holds a bit of bite. Don’t forget the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning here; they wake up the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Bring It All Together With Sauce and Simmer Lightly

Now for the magic: add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet along with the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything to combine, then let it cook on medium-low for about 3-4 minutes, just until warmed through and flavors have melded. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed—this step really surprises me every time with how much richer it makes the dish.

Top Tip

Over the years, making this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really boost flavor and texture. Don’t skip these—I promise they make a difference!

Patience browning the beef: Taking the time to get a good sear builds a rich, meaty base that everything else rests on.
Cook cabbage low and slow: Rushing this step leaves it tough; a gentle sauté brings out a subtle sweetness.
Season as you go: Layer salt and pepper at each step rather than all at the end to keep the flavors balanced.
Don’t drown it in sauce: The tomato sauce and broth should just coat everything—not soak it—so adjust amounts based on your skillet size.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef Cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle on a handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions right before serving. The fresh green pop not only looks inviting but brightens the earthy flavors. Sometimes I’ll add a few red pepper flakes or a dollop of sour cream if we want a little extra kick or creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pair this skillet with fluffy white rice or chewy egg noodles to soak up the sauce. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside crusty bread to scoop every last bit from the pan. A simple green salad on the side balances the dish nicely when you want something a little lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like plating the skillet over buttered noodles in a wide pasta bowl and garnishing with a lemon wedge for a subtle brightness. Once, I even served it over roasted mashed potatoes topped with crispy fried onions—comfort food level: max!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay delicious for up to four days. The cabbage softens a bit more over time but the flavors actually deepen, so leftovers can be just as good as the first meal if you don’t overheat them.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this skillet a handful of times when life got busy. Just cool it completely, pack it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to keep the mixture moist. Stir occasionally so it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out. I avoid the microwave when possible because the texture is nicer and the flavors come alive better this way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cabbage in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is what I usually use, you can swap in Napa cabbage or even savoy cabbage if you prefer a milder or sweeter flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since some cabbages tenderize faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can easily be gluten-free as long as you ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free brands. Serve it over rice or gluten-free noodles to keep the whole meal free from gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can try substituting the ground beef for plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and double down on the seasonings to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.

How long does this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe take to make?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total. The prep is quick, and then it all comes together in one skillet for a fast, hearty meal—perfect for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe has become one of those dishes I can always rely on — simple, satisfying, and full of flavor without fuss. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Give it a try next time you want a quick but wholesome meal, and I bet you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation too.