Description
This easy and hearty cabbage and ground beef skillet is a flavorful one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights. Ground beef is browned and combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and tender cabbage, simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth mixture seasoned with smoked paprika and herbs. It’s a low-carb, gluten-free meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Cook the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often. This allows the cabbage to wilt and begin to soften without becoming mushy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add the beef broth or water as well. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Reduce Liquid: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate, thickening the mixture slightly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot, optionally alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb meal, serve the skillet as is without additional sides.
- To make it more hearty, pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat nicely.
