This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is pure dinnertime magic for busy families and anyone who craves bold, satisfying flavors in just one pan. Imagine everything you love about tacos—zesty spices, hearty beef, luscious cheese—all tangled with tender shreds of cabbage that soak up every ounce of flavor. It’s effortless, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknights when you want something wholesome without a pile of dirty dishes. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a taco dinner, this skillet promises big flavor, warm comfort, and a meal everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of the Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet: every ingredient is simple, but each one plays a key part in creating layers of color, flavor, and heartiness. Nothing complicated here—just delicious, fuss-free essentials coming together for a fantastic meal.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show, adding robust flavor and protein that makes this skillet so satisfying.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch, if your beef is very lean, for better browning and richness.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: For irresistible aroma and a punch of classic taco flavor.
- Green Cabbage: Shredded cabbage bulks up the dish, soaks up flavor, and keeps things light and nutritious.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds juicy brightness and helps create a flavorful sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken everything up.
- Chili Powder: The backbone of all things taco—bold, warm, and perfectly balanced.
- Ground Cumin: Lends earthy, smoky undertones that deepen the flavor profile.
- Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and appealing color.
- Oregano: For a herby, fragrant note that lifts the whole skillet.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
- Shredded Cheese: Optional, but if you love a gooey, melty finish, it can’t be beat.
- Fresh Cilantro and Lime: The final touch—fresh, zesty, and bright—these garnishes make every bite sing!
How to Make Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it apart with a spatula into bite-sized crumbles. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat—especially if you’re using a higher fat blend. This step lays the savory foundation for your Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet and keeps things flavorful, not greasy.
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
Next, toss in your diced onion and freshly minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion is soft and translucent, and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. The aromatics mingle with the beef, building a fragrant base that will shine through the whole skillet.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Now comes the secret skillet ingredient: shredded green cabbage. Sprinkle it over the beef mix and give it a few good stirs. Let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften and shrink. It’ll look like a lot at first, but trust me, it cooks down, becoming tender and perfectly intertwined with the seasoned beef.
Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes and Spices
Time to pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and dollop in the tomato paste. Sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir, making sure every strand of cabbage and crumb of beef is coated in that tangy, richly spiced sauce. This is where the Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet gets its signature flavor punch.
Step 5: Simmer and Melt
Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes. The cabbage should become buttery-tender and the flavors will meld in the most delicious way. Uncover, sprinkle with shredded cheese if you’re indulging, and let it melt right on top for a minute or two. The skillet is ready when it’s bubbly, cheesy, and mouthwateringly aromatic.
How to Serve Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet
Garnishes
Top your Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet with a shower of chopped fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice. The cilantro adds brightness while lime wakes up all the zesty flavors and gives every forkful a fresh twist. Add a few extra lime wedges on the side for anyone who likes a little extra zing!
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also partners beautifully with sides. Try fluffy cauliflower rice, simple tortilla chips, or serve over a cozy bowl of white or brown rice. For extra veggies, a crisp green salad or quick sautéed corn are always a hit on taco night.
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many ways to have fun serving your Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet! Spoon it into warm tortillas for a quick taco night, pile into lettuce cups for a crunchy, low-carb wrap, or serve in a baked sweet potato for an unexpected twist. Kids love tossing it into a bowl with tortilla strips on top for a DIY taco bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet keeps beautifully. Let everything cool completely, then scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen as it sits, making for a deliciously easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
This dish also lends itself well to freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. It’s a handy way to stock your freezer with a grab-and-reheat meal for the busiest weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, just warm individual servings in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you’re warming up a larger batch, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Finish with fresh cilantro and lime just before serving to brighten the flavors back up!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make excellent swaps and lighten up the dish. Since they’re a bit leaner, you may want to add the olive oil for extra moisture and richness. The taco seasoning and cabbage complement any ground meat beautifully.
Is this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet spicy?
The skillet has a warm, mild heat from the chili powder and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. If you love extra kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or hot sauce to taste during cooking or when serving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Just skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally dairy-free, and the dish still tastes fantastic without the cheese on top.
How can I make this dish keto-friendly or lower carb?
For a low-carb or keto version, you can omit the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, substituting a splash of broth or water to keep things saucy. Serve it in lettuce wraps or simply enjoy with your favorite keto sides—this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is already loaded with veggies and protein!
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even black beans go beautifully in this skillet. Just toss them in with the onion and garlic, or along with the cabbage, and let your creativity guide you. It’s a perfect recipe to sneak in extra veggies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a vibrant, one-pan dinner that everyone at the table will ask for again, the Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet absolutely delivers. It’s weeknight-friendly, customizable, and packs all the zesty taco flavors you love, with the bonus of hearty cabbage and minimal cleanup. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite skillet meal!
Print
Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet. This easy one-pan dish is packed with Mexican-inspired spices and ingredients, creating a delicious low-carb option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 head green cabbage (shredded, about 4 cups)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5–6 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
- Melt Cheese: Uncover, sprinkle with cheese if using, and let it melt for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, skip the tomatoes and tomato paste and add a splash of broth or water.
- You can also add bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
