One-Pan Beef and Cabbage Skillet - Easy Weeknight Meal
This One-Pan Beef Cabbage recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef with crisp-tender cabbage, aromatic onions, and savory seasonings, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio recommended, or substitute with ground turkey)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, roughly chopped (about 6 cups, or try purple cabbage for color variation)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (sweet onions work beautifully as an alternative)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth (vegetable broth works for lighter flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients - Heat your large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. While heating, dice the onion, mince garlic, and roughly chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef - Add ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics - Push beef to one side of the skillet and add olive oil to the empty space. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings - Mix the beef with the onion mixture. Add paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Add Cabbage and Liquids - Add chopped cabbage to the skillet along with diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Step 6: Simmer and Finish - Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Stop cooking when cabbage is tender-crisp. Properly browning beef develops crucial flavor. Drain tomatoes to avoid excess liquid.