Dinner

Savory Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 20, 2025December 20, 2025

Introduction

This hearty cabbage and ground beef dish is a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Combining tender cabbage with savory, spiced beef and tomatoes creates a simple yet satisfying dinner.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish made of several layers mixed together. The base layer consists of small, crumbly pieces of browned meat with a rough texture. Mixed throughout are chunks of light yellow cabbage with glossy, slightly translucent leaves. There are also soft, orange carrot pieces adding a pop of color. The dish looks juicy with a bit of visible oil and seasoning specks like crushed black pepper spread all over. The entire mix has a warm, golden-brown and orange hue. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small cabbage, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon bouillon powder
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Place the ground beef in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Push the browned beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onions to the empty side and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.
Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cover the pan and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Step 5: Once the cabbage is tender, serve the dish on its own or with rice, bread, or potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce when cooking the beef.
Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a lighter taste, but cook a little longer to soften them.
Add chopped bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The close-up image shows a dish made of cooked ground beef mixed with soft cooked cabbage pieces and chunks of red tomato. The ground beef is brown and crumbly, while the cabbage is light yellow with some transparent parts and slight browning. The tomatoes add bright red spots scattered throughout. The food appears moist with a shiny coating of sauce and small visible black herbs sprinkled on top. The dish fills the frame, emphasizing the varied textures and colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Cook them in the same way, but be sure to cook thoroughly as poultry requires full cooking to be safe.

Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, especially if served without rice or bread. The cabbage and beef provide protein and fiber with minimal carbs.