Short Description
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a simple, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and healthy. With tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and bold spices simmered together with tomatoes and onions, this easy skillet dish is perfect for a budget-friendly, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, making for easy prep and cleanup.
-
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from ground beef and cabbage.
-
Bold, Comforting Flavors: Seasoned with cumin, cayenne, paprika, and bouillon for rich depth.
-
Versatile Meal: Serve on its own or over rice, potatoes, or even with crusty bread.
-
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients deliver maximum flavor at minimal cost.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 small cabbage, chopped
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
-
1 cup onions, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon bouillon powder
-
½ teaspoon cumin
-
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Salt to taste
Directions
-
Brown the Beef:
Place ground beef in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Push the browned beef to one side of the pan. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the empty side and sauté until soft and fragrant. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly. -
Simmer the Base:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. -
Add Cabbage:
Stir in the chopped cabbage, ensuring it’s well incorporated with the beef and tomato mixture. Cover the skillet and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Adjust and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a standalone dish or over your favorite base.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4–6
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 25 minutes
-
Total Time: 35 minutes
-
Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Variations
-
Add Rice: Stir in cooked rice to stretch the dish and make it even heartier.
-
Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce to elevate the heat.
-
Low-Carb Option: Serve as-is for a keto-friendly, low-carb meal.
-
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef for leaner proteins.
-
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with shredded cheese before serving for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
-
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
-
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
-
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, bagged coleslaw mix can be used for convenience. Adjust cooking time as it may cook faster.
Is this dish spicy?
It has mild heat. Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and color.
What type of bouillon works best?
Beef or vegetable bouillon powder works well. You can also use bouillon cubes dissolved in a small amount of hot water.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Should I drain the ground beef?
If there’s excess grease, drain it before adding onions and garlic for a lighter dish.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, though it will change the texture. Reduce simmer time slightly if using sauce.
What’s the best type of cabbage to use?
Green cabbage works best, but savoy or napa cabbage can also be used.
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
It should be soft but not mushy. Check tenderness by tasting a small piece.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it reheats well and is even more flavorful the next day.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a flavorful, nourishing dish that’s quick to prepare and easy on the wallet. With its blend of spices and tender vegetables, it offers a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s great for any night of the week. Whether served on its own or over your favorite grain, it’s a simple classic you’ll return to often.
Print
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage skillet is a simple, wholesome, and budget-friendly one-pan meal. Packed with protein, hearty cabbage, and bold spices, it’s an easy comfort food recipe perfect for busy weeknights, low-carb diets, or meal prepping. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
-
1 small cabbage, chopped
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
-
1 cup onions, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon bouillon powder
-
1/2 teaspoon cumin
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Salt to taste
Instructions
-
Cook Ground Beef: In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
-
Add Aromatics: Push beef to one side. Add onions and garlic to the pan, sauté until soft.
-
Add Tomatoes & Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, bouillon, cumin, cayenne, paprika, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add Cabbage: Fold in chopped cabbage. Cover the pan and cook until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
-
Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
-
Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture gets too dry while simmering.
-
Can be made with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
-
Great for low-carb and keto diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
