Ground beef and cabbage is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines hearty ground beef with tender cabbage in a savory, comforting meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, filling, and nutritious. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, and the combination of beef and cabbage provides a balance of protein and fiber, making it both delicious and wholesome.
The base of this dish is ground beef, which is browned and seasoned with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like paprika, salt, and pepper. The ground beef adds richness and depth to the dish, creating a flavorful foundation. Once the beef is cooked, chopped cabbage is added to the pan. The cabbage wilts down as it cooks, absorbing the savory flavors from the beef and spices. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet, providing a wonderful contrast to the savory beef.
You can customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the savory flavors, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a kick if you enjoy a bit of spice. For a more filling meal, you can serve this dish over rice or alongside mashed potatoes to make it even heartier.
Ground beef and cabbage is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and it’s a great dish to make in advance for meal prepping. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Whether you’re serving it to your family or preparing it for yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 head cabbage chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup onion diced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and let the mixture cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal.
I tried this last night and my cabbage was super crunchy. Did I cook it too short? Not a fan of the taste overall. 😕
Crunchy cabbage? I’ve never heard of that. Cabbage gets softer when you cook it, right? Maybe the heat wasn’t high enough?
I think your cabbage might need a bit more time in the skillet. It should be soft when it’s done. Maybe try cooking a little longer next time?
Who even cooks with cabbage?? Weird combo. I used kale instead and it was fine. Just saying!
This is super easy! I like the taste of the garlic in there. My kids gobbled it up. Will definitely make it again!
Made this tonight—super simple and the cabbage got that nice tender bite. My whole kitchen smelled amazing while the beef browned.
I made this and added some cheese on top. Best thing ever!
Simple but tasty! I added some Worcestershire sauce and it was lit! 🔥
Worcestershire sauce? That’s a cool twist! I gotta try that sometime. 🌟
Boring. No sauce, no acid, no nothing. I added vinegar at the end and it went from meh to decent.
It was alright but I feel like it needed more flavor. Maybe some spices?
I totally agree! A pinch of paprika or some cumin could make it pop! 🥳
Quick and easy meal! I added some hot sauce and it was perfect!
This was soooo good! My kids usually hate cabbage but they devoured it. Will definitely make again!
Why do you put cabbage in everything? It just makes it yucky. Not a fan. 1/5 for me.
This was DELICIOUS! My family loved it. I added some chili flakes for a kick!
Not my favorite. Prefer pasta. Someone said you can sub lettuce for cabbage?? Is that true?
It’s a decent recipe, but it’s missing a little kick, maybe add chili flakes next time?
Totally agree! I added some chili flakes last time and it transformed the dish. Great suggestion!
I dunno, I think it’s good as is. Maybe some people just like it mild? But hey, spice away if you want!
Ground beef + cabbage? What a weird combo LOL. But it worked!
Honestly, it was kinda bland. I expected more flavors. Maybe add some spices?
Honestly I’m skeptical about cabbage in skillet meals, but I tried it anyway. Surprisingly good and the beef flavor held up.
I tried this recipe and it was pretty bland. Needed more seasoning or something.
Ground beef and cabbage? Sounds funny but it works! Family loved it, even the picky one!
This recipe is total garbage. Cabbage tastes like dirt! No offense.
This is so easy and quick! Love recipes that don’t take ages to prep. Thanks!
I totally agree! I love how quick this is, perfect for busy weeknights! 😊
The recipe is simple and that’s what I needed. My family ate it without complaining (major win).
Is it really healthy? Cabbage is like, just a bunch of water and junk right?
Why would you put cabbage with beef? That sounds gross. I’d never try this!
I actually love cabbage with beef! The flavors mix surprisingly well, you should give it a chance.
Well, everyone has different tastes. I think it sounds interesting, but I kinda get what you mean. 🤷♀️
I LOVE this dish! So easy and healthy! Made it for my kids and they gobbled it all up!
Um, can I use chicken instead of beef? 🤔
Did I misunderstand a step? My cabbage turned mushy and gross. Not happy.
Way too much salt!!!! I couldn’t even eat it. Never again.
I totally get it! I’ve had a dish come out super salty before. Did you try adding something to balance the flavors? Maybe a little sugar or vinegar next time?
Too much salt? Really? I think it should be fine if you follow the recipe. Maybe you added too much by mistake?
Loved this dish! My kids didn’t even notice there was cabbage. So sneaky! 😂
I didn’t have onion or garlic, but still worked out fine. Cabbage rocks!
Not a fan of cabbage, didn’t enjoy this recipe. Going back to my old ones.
That’s too bad! Cabbage is a great veggie when cooked right. Have you tried other recipes with it?
LOL! Cabbage kinda sucks, I agree. But this recipe is good if you just mix in some cheese! 😄
This is a great way to use up cabbage. Flavor was on point! 👌
Mmm, good but…. is cabbage really a meat? Sounds weird but I tried it. Weird.
Cabbage isn’t meat! But it does make a great filling dish. I love how it absorbs the flavors of the beef! 😋
Idk maybe my cabbage was old, it stayed kinda crunchy even after 15 minutes. Tasted okay though—would try again with fresher cabbage.
What if I use frozen cabbage? Would it get too watery?
I forgot the garlic oops! Still tasted good tho.
Garlic makes everything better, but I’m glad it still turned out nice! 😊
Oops, no garlic? That’s like a burger without the bun! Still, if it tasted good, who cares! 😅
This is super easy! My family loved it! Definitely a keeper!
I’m glad your family enjoyed it! It’s a great way to get veggies in too!
Super easy and quick! I added some spices for extra flavor. Yum! 🙂
Great recipe! But I think you should use shredded cabbage instead of chopped. It cooks better.
So simple and delish! My kids loved it.
Absolutely! It’s so easy to make and my kids loved it too! Thanks for sharing.
Made this tonight—super easy and the cabbage actually tastes sweet and not bitter. I added a pinch of paprika and it was perfect.
Love hearing that! Glad the cabbage came out sweet—mine is usually hit or miss unless I don’t overcook it. Paprika is such a good idea too.
Just okay. The beef was good but the cabbage was weird. Not my fav.
Ugh, i love cabbage! So good when cooked right. But yeah, I guess if you don’t like it, it can taste weird. 🙄
I totally get what you mean! I’ve tried it too, and the cabbage was a bit off for me as well. Maybe it’s just not everyone’s cup of tea.
I was skeptical about cooking cabbage only 10-15 minutes, but it came out tender. Would make again. 👍
Honestly same—cabbage feels like it needs way longer, but 10–15 min covered worked out. Nice that it actually stayed tender!
I followed it mostly, but I forgot to cover the skillet and my cabbage didn’t wilt fast enough. Ended up longer cooking—still tasty though.
Used ground turkey instead, still turned out yummy! Thanks for the basic idea.
Glad to hear it turned out yummy! Ground turkey is a great alternative. I’ll have to try it that way too.
Quick question: do you need to rinse the cabbage? I didn’t, but I wondered if it matters.
Easy recipe! My kids even ate it without complaining. What a win!
I’m not sure about this one. Seems kinda bland. Maybe add some spices?
I totally agree! Spices can make a huge difference. Maybe try paprika or cumin? It could really elevate the dish! 🌶️
Nah, I think it’s fine as it is. Sometimes simple is the way to go. Just add hot sauce if you need a kick!
My grandma cooked this for us all the time, brings back memories. Thanks!
What a lovely memory! This recipe really does have that homey feel. I’m going to try it out soon!
Sounds good, but I never liked cabbage much. Does it really taste good with beef? Wondering if I can skip it.
5/5 for the cabbage honestly. I never know what to do with cabbage but this was easy and actually satisfying.
The instructions are clear, but I think 10-15 minutes might be long for smaller cabbage chunks. I cooked mine about 8 minutes and it was perfect.
This is basically my grandma’s cabbage and meat recipe but quicker. Love it! The garlic + onion combo is the move.
Had to cook longer, and my cabbage was still crunchy. Not the best.
Not bad, but I felt like it needed something acidic—like a splash of vinegar at the end. Without it, it tasted kinda flat.
Totally agree—cabbage + beef can taste a bit one-note without some brightness. I usually add a splash of apple cider vinegar (or even lemon) right at the end. Game changer.
I followed it exactly and it came out bland. Next time I’ll double the pepper or add paprika, because right now it’s missing flavor.
I don’t get it. You used a whole teaspoon of salt and pepper… that’s not bland lol. Maybe your cabbage was super watery? Try cooking it uncovered a bit longer to reduce juices.
Same here—mine tasted kinda flat too. I think the cabbage needs more than just salt/pepper. Next time I’ll add smoked paprika or a splash of vinegar at the end for more pop.
This is too many steps for something that should be simple. Why not just chop everything and throw in a pan?
Flavor’s okay, but I think 1 tsp salt for 1 lb beef + a whole head cabbage is kinda heavy—mine was borderline salty.
I get what you mean—1 tsp salt can feel like a lot depending on how big your cabbage head is and whether the beef is lean. I usually start with 1/2 tsp, then taste and adjust at the end.
Nah, it’s fine. Cabbage needs salt to not taste kinda bland and the beef takes some seasoning too. If yours was borderline salty maybe your cabbage was extra salty (or you used salted beef). Try less next time and don’t overthink it.
Pretty solid weeknight meal. I used leaner beef and it was a little dry, so next time I’ll add a splash of water or broth when covering.
Not gonna lie, I expected more “stew” vibes. It’s more like savory beef-cabbage skillet. Still good, just different.
Honestly, I didn’t think cabbage and beef would mix well but wow, totally surprised.
This was so delicious! My family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Tasted bland, like it needed something more… maybe some sauce?
I thought it was really good! Maybe you just need to spice it up a bit more next time. A little hot sauce could do wonders!
I don’t know… It just wasn’t for me. Maybe I cooked it wrong?
I used slightly less salt and added a pinch of chili flakes. Still turned out great—comfort food without being heavy.