I don’t know about you, but there’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, and my favorite has to be this delightful Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Not only is this dish super easy to whip up, but it’s also loaded with flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week. I still remember the first time I tasted a version of this; my grandmother was trying to clean out her fridge before a big grocery run. She tossed some ground beef, cabbage, and a few spices together, and voilà! A scrumptious meal was born. This dish has a special place in my heart, especially as it brings together simple ingredients to create something so hearty and satisfying.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or even your taste preferences. Not a fan of beef? Swap it out for turkey or even a plant-based protein! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes up this delicious skillet.
What’s in Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet?
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! I like using lean ground beef for this recipe to keep it lighter yet still full of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for ground turkey or chicken.
Cabbage: A medium head of cabbage is essential in this dish. It adds a delightful crunch and soaks up all the flavors beautifully. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients!
Onion: A diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. I prefer yellow onions for a balanced flavor, but feel free to get creative—the world is your onion!
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic make everything better, right? Don’t skimp on this; it adds that aromatic goodness we all crave.
Olive Oil: Just a couple of tablespoons to sauté your veggies and beef. I always opt for extra virgin olive oil for flavor and quality.
Salt and Black Pepper: The basic seasoning that ties everything together. Adjust to your taste!
Paprika and Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but highly encouraged if you like a hint of smoky flavor or a touch of heat. Add as much or as little as you like!
Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds umami and takes this dish to a whole new level. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley makes everything look pretty and adds a touch of freshness at the end.
Is Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with beneficial nutrients.
Cabbage: It’s a cruciferous vegetable, which means it’s loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and even has some antioxidants. Score!
Ground Beef: It’s an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and iron, essential for energy levels and overall health. Just watch your portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on your red meat intake.
However, make sure to keep the seasoning in mind—you can control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce or omitting additional salt altogether. Enjoying this dish in moderation fits well into a balanced diet.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional for flavor)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet?
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook the beef while breaking it up with a spatula until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Once the beef is cooked, add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well!
6. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of water or broth.
7. If using, drizzle soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce over the mixture, stirring to combine for added flavor.
8. Once everything is well combined and cooked through, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Cabbage skillet!
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips: Take it Up a Notch!
– **Make it a Meal:** Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal.
– **Garnish Galore:** Try topping with some grated cheese for extra creaminess or a dollop of sour cream.
– **Leftover Love:** This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge!
I hope you give this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet a try! Its simplicity and flavor-packed goodness are sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. If you end up making it, let me know how it goes—I can’t wait to hear your stories and tips! Happy cooking!
