One-Pan Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet
A quick and satisfying one-pan dinner featuring ground beef and cabbage cooked in savory beef broth and tomato paste.
I make this one-pan ground beef and chopped cabbage skillet on busy weeknights when I want something warm, filling, and fast — with minimal cleanup. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food without needing an hour of babysitting. The combination of browned beef, slightly sweet cabbage, and a hit of tomato paste makes it satisfying and pantry-friendly. If you like hearty skillet dinners, you might also enjoy my cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for another easy, crowd-pleasing option.
Why you’ll love this dish
This skillet is a winner for several reasons: it’s quick (about 20–30 minutes total), budget-friendly, and uses one pan so cleanup is fast. The cabbage cooks down and soaks up savory beef juices and tomato paste, giving each bite layers of flavor. It’s also flexible—easy to bulk up for a family or slim down for meal prep.
This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, night-before work lunches, or when you want something low-carb-ish without sacrificing richness.
The cooking process explained
Overview: Brown the beef, soften the onions, bloom garlic and tomato paste for depth, then add cabbage and broth to steam everything tender. Cover briefly so cabbage steams through while staying slightly crisp. Finish with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
What to expect while cooking:
- Quick sear on the beef builds savory flavor.
- Browning tomato paste for 30–60 seconds adds a roasted, umami note.
- The broth helps the cabbage wilt evenly without turning mushy.
What you’ll need
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 gives the best flavor; leaner is okay but may be drier)
- 4 cups chopped cabbage (green or Savoy; shred or roughly chop)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 cloves, minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth as a substitute)
- Paprika, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
If you want a richer finish, swap half the beef broth for a splash of beef consommé or add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-sodium broth. For inspiration on similar comfort-bowl meals try this cheesy ground beef casserole.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes. If the meat releases a lot of fat, drain the excess to avoid a greasy result.
- Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onion to the empty space and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent, then mix the onions into the beef.
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the paste and deepen its flavor.
- Add the chopped cabbage and pour in the beef broth. Stir so the cabbage begins to soften and the broth distributes evenly.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cabbage is tender but still has some bite. For softer cabbage, simmer an extra 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.
Short sentences and clear action verbs keep this easy to follow even while you’re cooking.
One-Pan Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet
- Prep
- 10 MIN
- Cook
- 20 MIN
- Total
- 30 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Seasonings
02Method
- Cooking
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0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for brightness. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; can be stored for 3–4 days.
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Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice for a heartier plate.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and chopped parsley for brightness.
- For a low-carb meal, pair with cauliflower mash or enjoy it on its own with a side salad.
- Add a fried egg on top for protein and richness at breakfast-for-dinner.
Plate it simply in a shallow bowl and finish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for visual appeal.
Storage and reheating tips
Cool leftovers to room temperature and refrigerate within 2 hours. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low until steaming, or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between bursts. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
To freeze, portion into airtight freezer containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If the dish seems dry after refrigeration, splash in a tablespoon of broth while reheating.
Recipe variations
- Spicy version: add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when you add the onions.
- Herb-forward: finish with chopped dill or chives and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Asian twist: swap the paprika for 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil; finish with scallions and sesame seeds.
- Vegetarian swap: replace ground beef with crumbled tempeh or plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth.
Common questions
How long does it take from start to finish?
A: Plan for about 20–30 minutes: 5 minutes to brown the beef, a few minutes for aromatics, and 6–8 minutes to steam the cabbage.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey will work—use a touch more oil or butter when cooking since it’s leaner, and adjust seasoning because turkey needs a bit more salt and umami.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
A: Yes — with cabbage instead of starchy sides, this skillet is low-carb and fits most keto meal plans. Adjust quantities if you’re tracking macros.
Can I add potatoes or rice?
A: Absolutely. Add diced potatoes early so they can cook through, or serve over rice/cooked grains for a heartier meal.
Any safety notes?
A: Always refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat to 165°F. If freezing, label containers with the date.
Conclusion
This one-pan ground beef and chopped cabbage skillet is an easy, satisfying meal that fits into busy lives and varied diets. For more ideas, check out EASY One-Pan Beef + Cabbage Skillet for Clean Eating Meal Prep! and my Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage.
Skillet Dinners
Skillet Dinners
Skillet Dinners
