Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet: Ditch Takeout in 30

Ugh, weeknights, am I right? Between work, kids, and trying to remember if I paid that bill, cooking a decent meal feels impossible. I used to rely on takeout *way* too much. Then, BAM! I stumbled upon this Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet recipe, and it’s been a lifesaver. Seriously!

It’s seriously the perfect answer to those “what’s for dinner?!” dilemmas. What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, and if you’re trying to cut back on carbs like me, it’s a total win. I mean, a complete, comforting meal that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty? Sign me up!

I actually found this recipe scribbled on a napkin at my mom’s place. Apparently, it was a “secret weapon” from her own busy weeknights. Now, it’s my go-to. And trust me, once you try this Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet, it’ll be yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Okay, so why should you make this? Let me tell you! It’s not just ’cause I said so (though, trust me, that should be enough! ). Here’s the lowdown:

Quick and Easy

Seriously, from fridge to table in like, 30 minutes? Yes, please! Minimal prep, fast cooking – it’s a weeknight miracle.

Flavorful and Satisfying

Ground beef, tender cabbage, and those savory seasonings? It’s a flavor explosion! You won’t believe how good something so simple can taste.

Low-Carb Friendly

Trying to ditch the carbs? This is your new best friend. All the flavor, none of the guilt. Score!

One-Pan Meal

My favorite part? One pan! Less dishes equals more time to relax. Who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients for Your Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

Ground Beef

You’ll want about a pound of ground beef. I usually go for lean, but hey, do you!

Cabbage

Grab one medium head of cabbage. Shredded, of course! Ain’t nobody got time to shred a whole cabbage on a weeknight.

Onion

One medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white works just fine.

Garlic

Two cloves of garlic, minced. I love garlic, so sometimes I sneak in a little extra.

Beef Broth

Half a cup of beef broth. Low sodium is always a good idea, but whatever you have on hand is perfect.

Soy Sauce

A tablespoon of soy sauce. Again, low sodium if you’re watching your salt!

Sesame Oil

One teaspoon of sesame oil. This stuff is magic, trust me!

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper, to taste! Gotta season that deliciousness!

How to Make This Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Okay, get ready to make some magic! This Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet is so simple, it’s almost ridiculous. Here’s how we do it:

Browning the Ground Beef

First things first, grab your biggest skillet and crank the heat to medium-high. Toss in that pound of ground beef and let it do its thing. You’ll want to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, make sure to drain off any extra fat. Nobody wants a greasy skillet!

Pro tip: If you overcrowd the pan, the beef will steam instead of brown. So, if you have a smaller skillet, maybe do it in two batches. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Adding Aromatics

Now for the good stuff! Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it all around and let it cook until the onion is softened and translucent – usually about 5 minutes. The smell alone is gonna make you drool. Mmm!

Don’t forget to stir frequently! You don’t want that garlic to burn. Burnt garlic is the worst!

Simmering the Cabbage

Alright, dump in that shredded cabbage! Then pour in your beef broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine everything.

Now, cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. You want it soft, but not mushy, ya know? Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Nobody likes a stuck-on skillet!

Serving Your Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

And that’s it! Serve it up hot and enjoy! Seriously, could it *be* any easier?

Tips for the Best Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Want to take your Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet from “good” to “OMG amazing”? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way!

Don’t Overcook the Cabbage

Seriously, mushy cabbage is a sad cabbage. You want it tender-crisp, with just a little bit of bite. Keep an eye on it while it’s simmering!

Adjust Seasonings to Taste

This is *your* dinner, so make it perfect for *you*! Taste it as it simmers and add more soy sauce, salt, or pepper as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Use a Large Skillet

Trust me on this one. A big skillet ensures everything cooks evenly and you don’t end up with steamed cabbage and burnt beef. Nobody wants that!

Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet and you’re loving it. Awesome! But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few fun variations to try:

Add Vegetables

Seriously, this skillet is a veggie-lover’s dream! Toss in some sliced carrots, bell peppers (any color!), or even some mushrooms. Just add them when you add the cabbage and let them simmer away. Yum!

Spice it Up

Feeling a little fiery? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha will kick things up a notch. My favorite part is that little bit of heat!

Different Protein

Not a beef fan? No worries! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well. Just make sure you brown it properly and drain off any excess fat. Boom! A whole new dish!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

So, you’ve got this amazing Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet… now what do you serve it with? Here are a couple of my go-to ideas!

Over Rice or Noodles

Seriously, a bed of fluffy rice or some yummy noodles is *perfect* under this skillet. It soaks up all those delicious juices! My kids love it this way

With a Side Salad

Want to keep it light? A simple green salad on the side is a winner! It adds a nice fresh crunch to balance out the savory skillet.

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Leftovers? If you even *have* any (this stuff is usually gone in minutes at my house!), here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious!

Storage

Just pop any leftover Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to 3 days. Though, let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just heat it until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Okay, quick disclaimer! The nutrition info can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, this is just a general estimate, not an exact science!

Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about this Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Totally! If you’re short on time (and who isn’t?), pre-shredded cabbage is your friend. It works just as well and saves you a whole bunch of chopping. Just grab a bag from the store and you’re good to go!

Can I freeze this dish?

Hmm, freezing this one isn’t my *favorite* idea. The cabbage tends to get a little watery when it thaws, which can mess with the texture. It’s definitely best fresh!

What other seasonings can I add?

Ooh, the possibilities are endless! Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika… they all add a little something special. I sometimes throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Just experiment and see what you like!

Enjoy Your Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Alright, that’s it! Go make this Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet and tell me what you think! Leave a comment or rate the recipe – I wanna hear all about it!

Print