If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome meal that comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, the Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines rich, savory ground beef with tender, slightly sweet cabbage and bright, fresh carrots, all cooked in a skillet with simple seasonings that bring everything alive. It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or quick weekday meals, and with just a handful of ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these basic ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to make this dish irresistible. From the savory ground beef that adds richness to the fresh cabbage providing a lovely crunch, every element is thoughtfully chosen.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean or leaner): Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses an aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- Cabbage (4 cups, shredded): Brings a tender, mild crunch and brightens the dish with its freshness.
- Large carrot (grated): Offers natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and adds subtle savory notes.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces a complex, tangy depth to the skillet.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smoky warmth.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy herbaceousness that complements the beef.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the beef evenly and sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Used as a garnish to add freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly for about 6 to 8 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat if needed to keep things nice and clean before moving on to the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Carrots
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the chopped onions and grated carrots. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the carrots begin to soften, releasing a gentle sweetness that will mingle perfectly with the beef.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and ensures the garlic’s flavor is perfectly mellowed out.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the star veggie – shredded cabbage. Add it directly to the skillet and stir everything together to combine the beef with the tender vegetables.
Step 5: Season and Add Broth
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings and liquids.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This lets the cabbage soften and the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish.
Step 7: Final Taste and Garnish
Give your skillet a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed — maybe a pinch more salt or a dash more Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat and top with chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors and presentation.
How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a lovely green burst and a fresh contrast to the rich skillet. For an extra touch, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet is delicious all on its own but shines even more with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fragrant rice, or a crisp side salad. These sides soak up the savory juices and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve directly from the skillet and let everyone dig in, or scoop portions over buttery noodles or toasted bread for a rustic, filling meal. You could also turn this recipe into a hearty stuffed pepper filling for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more as it rests, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep everything moist and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner substitute and still pairs wonderfully with cabbage and spices, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your Worcestershire sauce doesn’t contain gluten.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during step 5 or serve with a hot sauce on the side for a customizable kick of heat.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Definitely! Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves in place of dried to give the skillet a brighter, fresher taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It sure is! Its balanced flavors hold up well over several days in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe. It’s simple, soulful, and so satisfying—exactly the kind of home-cooked meal that comforts and delights. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly this humble combination earns a top spot in your family’s rotation.
Print
Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features lean ground beef cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, shredded cabbage, and grated carrot, all simmered in a savory broth with Worcestershire sauce and spices. Ready in under 40 minutes, this comforting dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare, ideal to serve on its own or accompanied by rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean or leaner)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded (about half a medium head)
- 1 large carrot, grated
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 6-8 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the Cabbage and Cook: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir well to combine with the beef and vegetables, evenly distributing the ingredients.
- Season and Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to mix the flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and wilted but still retains some texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed to achieve the desired flavor balance.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley evenly on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the hearty ground beef and cabbage skillet on its own or alongside your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Enjoy: This easy-to-make, nutritious dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and filling!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85% lean or leaner) to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Do not overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Feel free to substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger groups or meal prep.
