Dinner

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Bylilan Sage September 12, 2026September 12, 2026

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Cabbage dish is a hearty, comforting meal that comes together easily on weeknights. Combining savory browned beef with tender cabbage and flavorful seasonings makes for a satisfying one-pan dinner perfect for any season.

A large gray pot filled with a thick stew made of chopped cooked ground meat and soft cabbage pieces in a rich red tomato sauce, unevenly mixed with some visible chunks and a glossy texture, with a dark wooden spoon resting on the right side inside the pot; in the top left corner, a white plate with white rice is partially visible, and on the top right, a small beige bowl with salt and pepper; at the bottom right edge, a small white bowl with chopped green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14 1/2 ounces)
1 medium head cabbage, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, browning the meat thoroughly for about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, finely chopped cabbage, dried oregano, dried thyme, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting ground beef and cabbage.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce when browning the beef.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a single layer of cooked ground meat mixed with soft, chunky pieces of cabbage in a reddish-brown sauce sits on a white marbled surface. The meat and cabbage mix has a moist texture, with visible small chunks of tomato or sauce coating the ingredients. In the background, there are two blurred white bowls, one containing white rice and the other filled with green leafy herbs. A wooden spoon is placed next to the bowl on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh diced tomatoes, approximately 1 1/2 cups. Add a little tomato juice or water if needed to maintain moisture during cooking.

Is it necessary to cover the skillet while cooking the cabbage?

Covering the skillet helps the cabbage steam and become tender while locking in flavors. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can cook uncovered but expect a slightly longer cooking time.