Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe | Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet Dinner

One-pan beef and cabbage sautéed with onions and herbs in a skillet, ready to serve.
Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage—savory ground beef and tender cabbage cooked together for a hearty meal.
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Why One-Pan Beef and Cabbage Is a Weeknight Winner

One-pan beef and cabbage is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes for a busy weeknight: hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Inspired by wholesome recipes from Clean Food Crush, Living Chirpy, and Smile Sandwich, this skillet meal brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, it’s a reliable go-to that doesn’t skimp on taste. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to lighten up their dinner routine without sacrificing satisfaction. With just one pan to wash, cleanup is a breeze—leaving you more time to relax after dinner. From cozy family dinners to quick solo meals, this dish adapts beautifully to your needs and preferences. It’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

What Makes This Dish So Simple and Satisfying

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just one pan, you minimize mess and maximize flavor. Ground beef provides a rich source of protein, while cabbage adds fiber and bulk, making the meal both filling and nutritious. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers builds a savory base, and tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness. What’s more, this recipe is endlessly customizable—use whatever pantry staples you have on hand. Don’t have paprika? Try cumin. No fresh tomatoes? Canned will do just fine. It’s a forgiving dish that welcomes substitutions and improvisation. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with new flavors, this skillet meal is a dependable canvas. And because everything cooks together, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying, well-rounded dish that tastes like it took hours—when it really took less than 40 minutes.

Ingredient Overview

This dish starts with ground beef—lean or grass-fed varieties work best for a balanced flavor and texture. Cabbage is the star vegetable, offering a mild sweetness and hearty crunch when shredded or chopped. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, while bell pepper adds color and a subtle bite. Tomatoes, whether canned or fresh, bring brightness and moisture to the skillet.

Seasonings are key: paprika lends smokiness, oregano adds herbal depth, and chili flakes bring a gentle heat. Salt and pepper round out the flavor profile. For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar—it brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the beef. Tomato sauce can deepen the flavor, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Optional add-ins like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach can boost nutrition and variety. This flexible ingredient list makes it easy to tailor the dish to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re working with a stocked fridge or just the basics, this one-pan wonder delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Tip: Apple cider vinegar is your secret weapon—just a splash can transform the dish from good to great.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a classic version inspired by Clean Food Crush and other popular recipes:

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop 1 onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, slice 1 bell pepper, and shred half a head of green cabbage. Open a can of diced tomatoes or chop 2 fresh ones.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes.
  4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Mix in the tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  5. Add cabbage: Fold in the shredded cabbage. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture gets too dry.
  6. Finish and serve: Once the cabbage is tender and flavors are melded, taste and adjust seasoning. Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

This recipe is featured in:

  • Clean Food Crush – 227 cals · 8 portions
  • Living Chirpy – 30 min · 156 cals · 8 portions · ⭐️ 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Smile Sandwich – 40 min · 187 cals · 4 portions · ⭐️ 4.5 (353 reviews)

Tip: Stir every few minutes and add broth or water if it gets too dry.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

Want to switch things up? Add cooked rice or diced potatoes for a heartier, more filling version. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to lighten the dish or make it vegetarian. You can also toss in mushrooms for umami, carrots for sweetness, or spinach for a boost of greens. A sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top adds richness. This dish is endlessly adaptable—perfect for using up leftovers or tailoring to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your beef and cabbage skillet with crusty bread to soak up the juices or spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. For a lighter pairing, try a crisp cucumber salad or steamed green beans. It’s also great packed into lunchboxes or portioned into freezer containers for future meals. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish holds up beautifully and reheats like a dream. Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce before serving to wake up the flavors.

One-pan beef and cabbage sautéed with onions and herbs in a skillet, ready to serve.

Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe | Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet Dinner

This Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage recipe is a wholesome, fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Ground beef is sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices, then simmered with tender cabbage until everything is perfectly cooked and flavorful. It’s a comforting, protein-rich dish that comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup. Serve it on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying, budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with nutrients and flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Amish-Inspired, Eastern European
Servings 6
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or grass-fed)
  • ½ head green cabbage, shredded or chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended)
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Splash of broth or water, if needed

Instructions
 

  • Prep ingredients: Chop onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cabbage. Open canned tomatoes or chop fresh ones.
  • Brown beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in tomatoes, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Add cabbage: Fold in cabbage. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add broth or water if mixture gets dry.
  • Finish and serve: Once cabbage is tender, stir in apple cider vinegar and tomato sauce if using. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Customization: Swap beef for ground turkey, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. Add mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for extra veggies.
  • Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for 2 months.
  • Flavor tip: Don’t skip the acid—vinegar or lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
  • Avoid overcooking: Cabbage should be tender but not mushy. Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
Keyword beef, cabbage, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free, low carb, meal prep, one-pan, skillet