Why Make This Recipe
Ground beef and cabbage skillet is an easy and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. This dish combines ground beef with hearty cabbage and aromatic spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and provides a great balance of protein and vegetables. If you are looking for a recipe that is simple, nutritious, and can feed the whole family, this ground beef and cabbage skillet is a winner.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Heat the Olive Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help to cook the ingredients evenly and add flavor.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, browning it for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink spots remaining.
Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, cooking until it wilts down. This should take about 5 minutes. The cabbage will shrink as it cooks and mix beautifully with the beef.
Season the Mixture: Add the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure all the flavors are combined.
Cook to Meld Flavors: Allow the dish to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. This helps to meld all the spices and ingredients together, creating a deliciously cohesive meal.
Serve Hot: Once everything is cooked through and well combined, serve it hot. You can enjoy it on its own or with various sides.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This dish is very versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Bread: Pair it with crusty bread to soak up any juices.
- With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can add creaminess and cut through the richness of the beef.
- With Hot Sauce: If you like a bit of spice, drizzle some hot sauce over the top.
- Over Rice: Serve it over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
You can also consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and a pop of color.
How to Store Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Storing leftovers is easy with this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the skillet dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Tips to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out great:
- Choose Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of paprika and cumin to your taste preference. If you enjoy heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Keep an eye on your cabbage to avoid overcooking. It should be tender but still have a little crunch.
Variation
Here are some variations to consider for this recipe:
- Asian-style Skillet: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist. You can also include vegetables like bok choy or snap peas.
- Taco Version: Mix in taco seasoning instead of paprika and cumin, and serve it with tortillas as a taco filling.
- Cheesy Cabbage Skillet: Add shredded cheese on top in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, gooey version that kids will love.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it before serving.
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, ground beef and cabbage skillet is perfect for meal prepping. You can portion it into individual servings and store them for quick lunches or dinners.
5. What sides go well with this recipe?
Some great side options include a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or even a simple coleslaw to add some crunch.
Ground beef and cabbage skillet is a straightforward yet flavorful dish that can easily become a favorite in your home. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a delicious meal without too much hassle. Enjoy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and delicious one-pan meal combining ground beef and cabbage with aromatic spices, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart.
- Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes until it wilts.
- Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to meld all flavors.
- Serve hot, optionally with sides or toppings.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes. Great pairings include crusty bread, sour cream, or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg