Name: Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 cup carrots, shredded or thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

This Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner is one of those magic meals that manages to be hearty, healthy, budget-friendly, and on the table in under 30 minutes. It hits all the comfort food notes with tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and just enough seasoning to make it irresistible. Plus, it all cooks in a single pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. The combination of sweet cooked cabbage, juicy beef, and aromatic spices is so satisfying, you won’t believe how simple it is to make. This skillet dinner is perfect for cold nights or when you’re craving a wholesome, no-fuss dinner that still feels homemade.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this skillet dinner a breeze, here are the must-have tools:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is the heart of the recipe. A wide-bottomed skillet allows the cabbage to caramelize and the beef to brown evenly.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: A sharp knife helps you slice the cabbage thinly and evenly for even cooking. Don’t skip a sturdy cutting board to protect your counters.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring without scratching your skillet, and for breaking up the ground beef efficiently.

Measuring Spoons: You’ll need precise seasoning to balance the natural sweetness of the cabbage with the savory meat.

With just a few everyday tools, you’ll have everything you need to whip up this flavorful dinner in no time.

Ingredients for the Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

Ground Beef: This is the protein base. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while keeping rich flavor.

Green Cabbage: Cabbage softens beautifully in the skillet and absorbs the seasoning while adding sweetness.
Onion: Adds depth and a subtle bite that complements both the beef and cabbage.
Carrots: Thinly sliced or shredded carrots bring color and a slight natural sweetness.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a rich aromatic flavor.
Paprika: A mild smoky flavor that pairs well with the beef and cabbage combo.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all flavors together.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the veggies and helping everything meld without sticking.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of fresh, vibrant flavor.

How To Make the Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the chopped cabbage and carrots. Stir well to combine. The cabbage will seem bulky at first but will reduce significantly as it cooks.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir again, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover the skillet. Let everything cook together for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for a bright finish.

Serving and Storing This Easy Skillet Dinner

This dish is best served warm, right out of the skillet, alongside crusty bread or even a scoop of mashed potatoes. It’s a filling one-pan meal on its own but also pairs well with a fresh side salad.

For storing, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Use extra-lean ground beef and skip the carrots if you want to lower the carb count.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and still tastes great with cabbage.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Store in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop all your veggies in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Garlic powder will work in a pinch—start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner, you’ll probably enjoy these other skillet-style favorites:

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. Visit Life With Olivia on Pinterest for more daily dinner inspiration.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or a splash of vinegar? Did you try it with turkey or keep it classic with beef?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Dinner

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and wholesome ground beef and cabbage skillet dinner is quick to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Cooked in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

4 cups green cabbage, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup carrots, shredded or thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in chopped cabbage and shredded carrots. Mix well to combine.

4. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.