Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small head of cabbage, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Warm & Cozy Home Meals

I love whipping up this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet on busy weeknights. The combination of hearty ground beef and crunchy cabbage makes for a satisfying meal that’s both simple and delicious. In just 30 minutes, I can bring this dish to the table, loaded with flavor and nutrition. It’s one of those recipes that you can easily customize with your favorite spices and veggies. I appreciate how easy it is to clean up too—everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less time cleaning and more time enjoying with family!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:49:36.197Z

When I first tried making the Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet, I was amazed by how quickly it came together. The key is to make sure you brown the beef properly before adding the cabbage, as this deepens the flavor. I like to season the dish with garlic powder and a splash of soy sauce, which add a wonderful umami touch that’s hard to resist.

What I enjoy the most is how versatile this recipe is. You can throw in any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge. Each time I make it, I discover a new flavor combination that keeps my family eagerly awaiting dinner. It’s fields of fast food without sacrificing nutrition!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy one-pan meal for busy nights
Packed with protein and nutrients from the beef and cabbage
Customizable with your favorite spices and additional veggies

Understanding the Ingredients

In this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. The ground beef not only provides a rich, savory base but also adds significant protein to the dish, making it filling. I prefer using a leaner ground beef to avoid excess grease, which can overpower the cabbage's natural sweetness. Additionally, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you're looking for a lighter option without compromising on taste.

Cabbage is the star vegetable here, offering a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the beef. When selecting cabbage, look for a firm head with tightly packed leaves. Both green and savoy cabbages work well, but savoy adds a slightly sweeter note. If you're not a fan of cabbage, consider replacing it with kale or collard greens to maintain that satisfying crunch while switching up the flavor profile.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the beef is a crucial step that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Allow them to sweat for about 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. This process releases their natural sugars and aromas, which will permeate the beef as it cooks. Aim for a medium heat to avoid burning the garlic—burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your meal that is hard to mask.

When adding the cabbage and soy sauce, be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. I generally cook the cabbage until it is tender yet retains some crunch, usually around 8-10 minutes. If you find the cabbage isn’t wilting as quickly as desired, you can add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover it for a couple of minutes. This creates steam, speeding up the cooking process while keeping the cabbage vibrant and not overly mushy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Feel free to add extra vegetables or spices according to your taste!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect skillet dish:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, around 5-7 minutes.

Add Cabbage

Stir in the chopped cabbage, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a crunch.

Serve

Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For extra zing, try adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley before serving. This dish also pairs nicely with rice or noodles if you want to bulk it up.

Storing and Reheating

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet can be easily stored for leftovers. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture. If you're short on time, the microwave works as well; heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

For long-term storage, you can also freeze this dish. Place the cooled skillet contents in a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to 3 months. I recommend portioning it out for easy meals later. To defrost, simply transfer it to the fridge the night before or use the microwave's defrost setting until it is pliable enough to heat on the stove.

Customizations and Variations

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily throw in any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini are great additions and can be sautéed alongside the onion. For added flavor, consider garnishing with scallions or sesame seeds when serving. If you're craving heat, a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes during the cooking process can elevate the dish to a whole new level!

If you're aiming for a low-carb version, you can swap out the cabbage for cauliflower rice. Simply pulse cauliflower in a food processor to create rice-sized pieces and add it at the end of the cooking time. This way, you’re still enjoying the savory flavors of the skillet while keeping the meal light and veggie-forward. Don’t forget to adjust the soy sauce slightly, as cauliflower absorbs flavors differently than cabbage does.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well in this dish.

→ How long does this dish last in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

→ Can I freeze this Skillet?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini to make it more colorful and nutritious.