Embrace cozy weeknights with this incredible One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe! It’s a delightful journey into comfort food that promises both ease and flavor. Imagine a savory, cheesy skillet meal coming together with minimal effort and even less cleanup. This hearty dish is also a fantastic high-protein, low-carb option, making it perfect for anyone seeking a nourishing, satisfying dinner. Get ready to create warm memories around the table with simple, delicious ingredients.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe
This recipe truly embodies simple cooking, connecting us to joyful meals without the fuss.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time means more moments for family. This One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe comes together effortlessly.
- One-Pan Convenience: You’ll appreciate fewer dishes to wash after enjoying this delicious One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe. It’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy & Hearty: Packed with protein and naturally low in carbs, it’s a satisfying and wholesome choice for everyone.
- Flavorful & Comforting: Rich, savory ground beef perfectly complements tender cabbage, all bound by gooey, melted cheese.
- Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your pantry or taste preferences.
- Pantry-Friendly: You likely have most of the staple items already on hand.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe. Choose fresh, quality components to ensure the best flavor in your skillet. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the rich, savory profile of this hearty dish. Taking a moment to prepare your mise en place will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, especially for a quick weeknight meal.
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp each garlic powder, onion powder + paprika
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
- 14½ oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
- 1 small green cabbage, diced (about 6 cups)
- 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- chili pepper flakes, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Feel empowered to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
- Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb are excellent, leaner alternatives for the ground beef. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- Cabbage: While classic green cabbage is traditional, red or Savoy cabbage also work beautifully, offering slightly different textures.
- Spices: Customize the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of dried oregano or thyme enhances savory notes, or add a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for Tamari to make this dish entirely gluten-free without sacrificing its umami flavor.
- Cheese: Experiment with other good melting cheeses like sharp cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different kick.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes are perfectly fine, or use a favorite marinara sauce for a richer, sweeter base. Small changes can personalize your One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe.
Equipment
Making this delightful skillet meal is straightforward with just a few essential kitchen tools.
- A large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet or braiser is crucial for cooking and melting the cheese efficiently.
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are necessary for safe and easy vegetable preparation.
- Measuring spoons and cups ensure accuracy, helping you achieve perfect flavors.
- A spatula is perfect for stirring and breaking up the beef during the browning process.
How To Make One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe
Creating your heartwarming One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe is a truly simple and rewarding process. This dish is designed to build layers of incredible flavor within one convenient pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing deliciousness.
Follow these steps carefully to bring a satisfying, family-friendly meal to your table that everyone will love. Each stage is crafted to contribute to the rich, comforting taste of this wholesome skillet. Embracing these techniques ensures a perfect outcome every time, turning everyday ingredients into something truly special.
- Brown the Beef and Season: Set a wide skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil, followed by the beef, salt, and spices. Cook, breaking the meat up into crumbles, until browned, about 5 minutes. Browning the beef thoroughly develops deep, rich savory flavor, forming the robust foundation of this hearty dish.The Maillard reaction, a chemical process between amino acids and reducing sugars, is responsible for the distinctive browned color and complex flavors in cooked foods. Don’t rush this stage; it’s key for taste.
Sauté Aromatics and Boost Flavor: Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly and release its natural sweetness. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and soy sauce, and cook for a minute more, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This crucial step toasts the tomato paste, deepening its flavor, and melds all aromatic ingredients together beautifully, significantly enhancing the overall taste of your One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe.
Simmer with Tomatoes and Cabbage: Pour in the tomatoes and water, scraping up and browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then stir in the cabbage. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring every now and then, until the cabbage is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure the cabbage absorbs the delicious liquid for a tender, flavorful outcome, making every bite deeply satisfying.
Melt the Cheese to Perfection: Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the pan, then cover it to let the cheese melt. If you’d like browning on the cheese, place the pan (ensuring it’s oven safe, first!) under your broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, watching closely. A beautifully browned, bubbly cheese topping adds visual appeal and extra deliciousness, completing this comforting dish.
Garnish and Serve: Serve hot or warm, garnished with parsley and chili flakes. This simple addition elevates both the appearance and the flavor, making this comforting meal even more inviting and special for your family and guests. Enjoy your satisfying one-pan meal, made with love!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe is easy with these helpful hints, ensuring perfect results every time.
- Perfect Browning: Don’t rush browning the beef. A good sear develops rich, savory flavor known as the Maillard reaction. This foundation is crucial.
- Tender Cabbage: Cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp, not mushy. It should yield easily but still have a slight bite for texture.
- Scrape Up Bits: The browned bits on the bottom of the pan (fond) are flavor gold. Deglaze the pan with tomatoes and water, incorporating them.
- Broiler Watch: If using the broiler, never walk away. Cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds, so stay vigilant.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. A dash more Worcestershire or soy sauce can deepen the umami notes.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large skillet. Overcrowding steams ingredients instead of browning them, negatively affecting texture and flavor.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe adapts easily to your meal preferences and schedule, offering great flexibility. Serve it on its own for a satisfying low-carb meal, or pair it with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or a light green salad for a complete dinner. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt makes a delightful topping, adding extra creaminess.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave. Freeze cooled portions for up to 2-3 months. For variations, add bell peppers or mushrooms, spice it up with more chili flakes, or use different cheeses like cheddar. Fresh herbs such as thyme can also enhance flavor.
Nutrition
This One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe offers a fantastic balance of nutrients, making it a smart choice for any meal plan. It’s rich in protein, essential for muscle health and satiety, and packed with fiber from the cabbage, aiding digestion. Naturally low in carbohydrates, it’s an excellent option for those managing carb intake. This wholesome dish delivers essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall well-being with every delicious, comforting serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 108 mg |
| Sodium | 1562 mg |
| Potassium | 890 mg |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 1014 IU |
| Vitamin C | 91 mg |
| Calcium | 339 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Discover more about making your best One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe.
Is this recipe truly gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting low sodium soy sauce with Tamari, you ensure this dish is entirely gluten-free, suitable for those with sensitivities.
Can I use other ground meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb are excellent choices, offering slight variations in flavor and texture.
How do I make the cabbage softer?
For very tender cabbage, simply extend the simmer time by another 5-10 minutes, ensuring enough liquid remains in the pan.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it remains delicious and safe to eat for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months for convenient future meals.
What kind of skillet is best?
A wide, 12-inch oven-safe skillet or braiser is ideal for even cooking and efficient cheese melting.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create connection and comfort in your kitchen. Its ease, minimal cleanup, and incredible flavors make it a true weeknight champion that honors the joy of simple cooking. We encourage you to try this simple, satisfying dish and discover the joy of cooking for your family. Share your creations, leave a rating, and let us know how this comforting skillet brightened your day!
One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, salt, and spices, cooking for about 5 minutes until browned and crumbled.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes. Then add garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and soy sauce, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and water, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the cabbage, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the skillet and cover to melt the cheese. For browning, briefly broil the oven-safe pan for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve the skillet hot or warm, garnished with fresh parsley and chili pepper flakes.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
