Savory Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

A simple and hearty one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.  

Ingredients:

  • Protein:
    • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 medium head of cabbage, roughly chopped
    • 1 medium onion, chopped  
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced  
    • Optional: 1 carrot shredded.
  • Seasoning:
    • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
    • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
    • 1 tablespoon of paprika.
    • Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat)
    • Optional: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Oil:
    • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil  
  • Optional Additions:
    • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained.  
    • 1/4 cup beef broth.
    • A splash of apple cider vinegar.

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Beef:
    • Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
    • Drain off any excess grease.  
    • Add the chopped onion, and cook until the onion is translucent.
    • Add the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Season:
    • Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and paprika. Add red pepper flakes and Worcestershire sauce if desired.
  3. Add Cabbage:
    • Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet.
    • If using add shredded carrot, and canned diced tomatoes.
    • Stir to combine with the ground beef.
  4. Cook:
    • Reduce the heat to medium-low.
    • Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp or tender, about 15-20 minutes.
    • If you would like more moisture in the dish, add the beef broth during the cooking process.
  5. Finish:
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
    • If desired, add a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving for a touch of acidity.
    • Serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

  • Add Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the skillet along with the cabbage.
  • Tomato Paste: A tablespoon of tomato paste added when the garlic is added, adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as cumin or chili powder.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the cabbage and ground beef as is, or over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
  • Sweetness: A small amount of brown sugar can be added for a slightly sweeter flavor.
  • Vinegar: Other vinegars can be used in place of apple cider vinegar, like white vinegar, or red wine vinegar.  
  • Smoked sausage: Smoked sausage, cut into rounds, can be used in place of, or in addition to the ground beef.

Enjoy your delicious cabbage and ground beef!

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