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 satisfying about this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe—it’s hearty, simple, and full of cozy flavors that remind me of home-cooked dinners on chilly nights. The way the cabbage softens and soaks up that savory sauce is just irresistible!

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

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe has earned a permanent spot on my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly flexible. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up with minimal fuss and still feel like you’re enjoying a comforting, wholesome meal.

One-Pan Ease: Everything cooks right in the skillet, which means less clean-up and more time to relax after dinner.
Rich Flavor Layers: The combo of smoked paprika, Italian herbs, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce brings depth without complicated steps.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe keeps well for leftovers and even tastes better the next day, making lunches a breeze.
Customizable Comfort: You can swap herbs, add extras like carrots or mushrooms, or serve it over your favorite base to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe plays a part in balancing flavors and textures—meaty, tangy, and tender. When shopping, look for fresh cabbage and good-quality lean ground beef to keep it light yet satisfying.

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: Provides a healthy fat base for browning and sautéing with a subtle fruity flavor.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein without excess grease that could make the skillet watery.
Diced yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth alongside garlic.
Garlic: Fresh minced or grated garlic brightens the dish and complements the beef perfectly.
Green cabbage: The star veggie—holds up well when cooked and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth that adds complexity without heat.
Italian seasoning: Offers classic herb flavors that round out the savory profile.
Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and moisture that unites all ingredients in a luscious sauce.
Low sodium beef broth: Adds umami and thins the sauce slightly for a perfect consistency.
Balsamic vinegar: A touch of sweetness and tang that lifts the whole skillet.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory notes with its unique blend of spices and anchovies.

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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 to make this dish my own depending on the season and what’s in the fridge. Feel free to experiment with extra veggies or swap seasonings to match your mood or dietary preferences—it’s super forgiving!

Variation: Once, I added grated carrots and red bell pepper for a pop of color and sweetness, and it was a total hit with my family.
Dietary swap: You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce gives it a nice kick.

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: Brown the Beef to Perfection

Start by heating half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper as it cooks. I like to break it into small pieces early on so it browns evenly and gets nicely caramelized edges. Once cooked through, transfer it to a plate to keep the skillet ready for the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage

Add the remaining olive oil into the skillet, then toss in your diced onions and garlic. Stir them for about a minute until fragrant and just softened—don’t let the garlic burn! Next, pile in the chopped cabbage and sprinkle over the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring. As the cabbage cooks down, it becomes tender with a slight sweetness, usually taking about 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Sauce

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the tomato sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together gently so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly. Let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through. Give it a taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed. I usually find it’s perfect right here.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe, I’ve learned small tricks that really help you nail the flavor and texture every time.

Don’t crowd the pan: Brown the beef in batches if needed. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of caramelizing, which dulls the flavor.
Grate garlic: Using a microplane grater instead of chopping garlic releases a ton of flavor quickly without large chunks.
Cook the cabbage low and slow: Medium heat and patience make the cabbage tender and flavorful, not mushy or raw.
Adjust seasonings at the end: Sauce thickens and flavors meld during the last few minutes, so wait to add extra salt or pepper.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef and Cabbage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. The parsley adds a bright freshness, while cheese gives it a cozy, melty finish that everyone at the table appreciates.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines when served over steamed rice or buttered egg noodles—it soaks up the sauce wonderfully. Roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad also make excellent partners if you want to round out the meal with some texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served the skillet directly in a beautiful cast-iron pan right at the table, letting guests scoop portions onto their plates. On a busy night, I sometimes layer the skillet mix into stuffed peppers or use it as a filling for tortillas—fun and tasty twists!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I cool leftovers completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, they’re good for up to 4 days. This dish sometimes tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Freezing

I've frozen portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them with the date! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

I usually reheat this skillet gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cabbage in this skillet?

Absolutely! Savoy or Napa cabbage also work well, though they have a slightly different texture. Just keep in mind these varieties might cook a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve instead of rice or noodles?

You can try serving the skillet over mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or even stuffed inside baked potatoes for a hearty twist. It’s versatile!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based meat substitutes. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How do I avoid watery cabbage in this skillet?

To avoid watery cabbage, make sure to cook it over medium heat until most of the moisture evaporates. Using lean ground beef helps too, since fatty beef releases more liquid. Removing excess liquid before adding the sauce keeps everything nice and thick.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is one of those reliably satisfying dishes I turn to when I want comfort without hours in the kitchen. Between the hearty meat, tender cabbage, and bright, tangy tomato sauce, you get a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal every time. It’s simple, adaptable, and just downright delicious—perfect for when you want something cozy and homemade on the table fast. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!