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 wonderfully comforting about a one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and super easy to whip up. This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe hits that sweet spot, combining tender cabbage with savory seasoned beef that cooks all in one skillet for a fast, satisfying dinner.

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

I’ve made this skillet dish more times than I can count—it’s quick, cozy, and offers loads of flavor with minimal cleanup. Honestly, the way that smoked paprika and balsamic come together with cabbage and beef is just magic in the pan.

Simple one-pan cooking: You’ll love how everything cooks together, saving you time and dishes.
Rich, hearty flavors: The blend of spices and tangy Worcestershire give the dish a delicious complexity.
Healthy and filling: Cabbage adds bulk and nutrients while keeping it light and satisfying.
Versatile meal: Great served over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb option.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish shines with everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Lean ground beef adds protein without overwhelming fattiness, while cabbage soaks up all those savory and tangy flavors. The combination makes it feel fresh yet hearty.

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: A good quality olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly.
Lean ground beef: Using lean beef keeps the skillet from getting too greasy but still packs in that rich, meaty goodness.
Yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic: Freshly minced or grated garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
Green cabbage: The star veggie here, it softens as it cooks and absorbs all the spices and sauces.
Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky note that elevates the beef and cabbage.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to add a little herbaceous complexity.
Tomato sauce: Provides a rich base with a subtle acidity to balance the flavors.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and boosts savory depth without overpowering.
Balsamic vinegar: Just the right amount for a gentle tang that brightens the dish.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami kick and complexity you won’t want to skip.

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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

I love experimenting with this recipe based on what I have in the pantry or how hearty I want the meal to be. You can make it more robust or lighten it up easily — and honestly, that’s part of the fun!

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if I’m looking to keep it lighter. It works well, though the flavor is a bit milder—so I might add a pinch more smoked paprika or even a dash of hot sauce to punch it up.
Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for a spicy twist that wakes up the skillet.
Vegetable boost: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers with the onions for extra color and nutrition.
Low-carb option: Serve the skillet on its own or with cauliflower rice instead of noodles or traditional rice.

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: Sear that beef to perfection

Start by heating half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, season it lightly with salt and pepper, and break it apart with a spatula. Cooking the beef until it’s fully browned but still juicy is key. Don't rush it—browning develops the best flavor. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté your aromatics and cabbage

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the diced onion and garlic. Give them about a minute to soften and smell fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn! Now, add the chopped cabbage along with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, and cook the cabbage until it’s tender but still has a slight bite—about 7 to 10 minutes works well.

Step 3: Bring it all together with sauce

Return the cooked ground beef back to the skillet. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything until it’s evenly combined and let it simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors really meld. Taste and adjust your seasoning—sometimes a tiny pinch more salt is all you need.

Top Tip

From my experience making this skillet recipe multiple times, a few little tweaks make a big difference. Pay attention to cooking your cabbage just right—it should be tender, not soggy—to keep some texture and prevent it from turning mushy.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown the beef in batches if needed to avoid steaming it—browning adds flavor.
Grate your garlic: Instead of chopping, grating garlic releases more aroma and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Use a wide skillet: It helps the cabbage cook evenly and prevents overcrowding.
Adjust seasoning last: Liquids can mute flavors, so always taste at the end and tweak salt and pepper accordingly.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

ground beef and cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich skillet. Sometimes, I add a few red pepper flakes or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, cooling finish.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this ground beef and cabbage skillet over buttery egg noodles or fluffy rice to soak up all those delicious saucy bits. For something lighter, cauliflower rice or even mashed potatoes work wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve spooned this skillet filling onto crispy baked potato skins or stuffed bell peppers. It turns an everyday dinner into a fun, shareable appetizer or a festive main dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I usually portion it out for easy lunches during the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It'll stay delicious for up to three months—perfect for batch cooking days.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This way, the cabbage keeps its texture, and the flavors come back to life without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork make great substitutions if you want to switch things up or make it lighter. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, and you might want to boost the seasoning to suit the milder flavors.

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting mushy?

To keep your cabbage tender but slightly crisp, cook it over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir the cabbage occasionally and watch the cooking time carefully—around 7 to 10 minutes is ideal. Overcooking is what usually makes it mushy.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check that your beef broth and tomato sauce don’t contain any gluten additives. Serve over rice or gluten-free noodles to keep it safe.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a bit of broth, water, or a splash of olive oil to bring back moisture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent drying out; stovetop reheating helps maintain that fresh-cooked texture.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe has become a go-to meal in my house for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s cozy, comforting, and the perfect answer for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your favorites!