Easy Southern Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet: A One-Pan Family Favorite
Hearty Southern-Style Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Looking for a budget-friendly ground beef recipe that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? This Southern-inspired ground beef and cabbage skillet brings together simple, wholesome ingredients for a comforting weeknight dinner that your family will request again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
There’s something inherently comforting about the combination of tender ground beef and caramelized cabbage. This one-pan wonder is:
- Budget-friendly – stretches a pound of beef with affordable cabbage
- Nutritious – packed with protein and vegetables
- Versatile – perfect as a main dish or side
- Quick – ready in just about an hour
- Low-carb friendly – naturally fits many dietary needs
Perfect Ingredients for Ground Beef and Cabbage Success
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 large head cabbage, finely chopped (about 8-10 cups)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Ground Beef and Cabbage Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. You may need to do this in batches as the cabbage will cook down. Stir frequently and cook until the cabbage begins to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender but not mushy.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes if you’d like to reduce any excess liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Customize Your Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This versatile dish can be adapted in countless ways:
- Add heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Make it creamy by stirring in 1/4 cup of sour cream just before serving
- Boost nutrition with shredded carrots or diced bell peppers
- Change the flavor profile with Italian seasonings, curry powder, or taco seasoning
- Serve it differently over rice, with crusty bread, or rolled in tortillas
Expert Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Cabbage
Don’t rush the cabbage. Taking time to properly cook down the cabbage allows it to develop a sweet, caramelized flavor that makes this dish special.
Balance the textures. The cabbage should be tender but still have some body – not completely soft.
Make ahead friendly. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Cabbage
This hearty skillet meal pairs beautifully with:
- Buttered cornbread for a true Southern experience
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Simple steamed rice
- Crusty French bread for sopping up the delicious juices
Storing and Reheating Leftover Ground Beef and Cabbage
This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave until heated through.
You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe Works
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. By allowing the flavors of ground beef and cabbage to shine with just the right amount of seasonings, you create a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this ground beef and cabbage recipe delivers comfort food at its finest.
Hearty Southern-Style Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. You may need to do this in batches as the cabbage will cook down. Stir frequently and cook until the cabbage begins to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender but not mushy.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes if you'd like to reduce any excess liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
