Few dinners come together as quickly and satisfyingly as Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage. Tender greens meld perfectly with savory beef, sweet onion, and fragrant spices, making this budget-friendly classic so much more than the sum of its parts. Whether you need a hearty weeknight meal or are simply craving comforting flavors, this easy skillet supper is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh produce, pantry staples, and a sprinkling of spice for big, bold flavor. Every ingredient here plays a crucial role, adding depth, color, and that irresistible, homey aroma wafting from your kitchen.

Ground beef: The heart of the dish, offering richness and protein—try to use an 80/20 blend for best results.
Green cabbage: Shredded and pan-cooked, it softens beautifully and soaks up all those amazing savory juices.
Onion: Diced onion creates a sweet, caramelized base while building layers of flavor for the whole dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings its trademark warmth and depth; don’t skip it if you love that classic, homestyle taste!
Olive oil: Just enough to sauté your veggies and beef, adding lovely aroma and keeping everything from sticking.
Ground cumin: A subtle spice that adds earthiness and a gentle kick—absolutely perfect with beef and cabbage.
Paprika: For color and lightly smoky, sweet undertones that shine through every bite.
Salt: Season to taste; salt wakes up all the flavors and ties your savory elements together.
Black pepper: Adds just a whisper of heat and brightness—essential for balance!
Soy sauce (optional): Adds a savory umami punch if you want the flavor really to pop—highly recommended!
Beef broth (or water): Keeps everything moist and melds flavors; broth boosts savoriness while water lets other flavors shine.
Apple cider vinegar (optional): For a delightful tangy kick that lifts and brightens the dish—just a splash makes all the difference.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A touch of green for freshness and a pop of color at serving time.

How to Make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook it for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onion to become translucent and just a little bit sweet — this forms the flavor base for your Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Depth

Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. The aroma will really start to fill your kitchen, giving you a chance to get excited for that first bite. Be careful not to burn the garlic; a quick sauté is all it needs.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up so it browns evenly—you’re looking for juicy, golden bits. Let it cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until there are no pink spots left. If your beef is especially fatty, drain off excess grease to keep the dish light but flavorful.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in your cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together so the spices coat the beef thoroughly, infusing each morsel with warmth and subtle zing. This is when the savory, cozy character of Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage really starts to come alive.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Liquids

Time to pile in the shredded cabbage! Pour in the beef broth (or water) and give everything a gentle toss so the cabbage mingles with the beef and onion. You’ll notice the cabbage begin to wilt and soak up all those delicious, meaty flavors, softening with each stir.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Cover your skillet and let the whole mixture cook together for eight to ten minutes, stirring now and then. As the minutes pass, the cabbage will grow tender and slightly caramelized—this is the moment where all the flavors truly meld and deepen.

Step 7: Add Final Flavors

Remove the lid, then add the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar if you like your dinner with a touch of bold, tangy depth. Stir to combine, take a quick taste, and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Now your Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is nearing perfection!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked and seasoned to your liking, take the pan off the heat and sprinkle on some fresh parsley for a cheerful burst of green. Spoon this hearty goodness hot into bowls or onto plates—dinner is ready!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Garnishes

Garnishing your skillet brings a fresh, inviting feel to the table. Chopped fresh parsley is an easy favorite—its bright flavor adds contrast to the rich beef. For a little zing, scatter some chopped scallions or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is so full of flavor that it really shines on its own, but pairing it with fluffy steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or rustic crusty bread will soak up those delicious juices. For something lighter, try a crisp cucumber salad or roasted carrots on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful with your presentation, try serving Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage in warm pita bread for a savory wrap, or stuffed into bell peppers for an elegant twist. You can even top it with a fried egg for a protein-packed, brunch-worthy creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors develop as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch just as tempting as tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your leftovers, simply let the dish cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—perfect for easy meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally so everything heats evenly. For a quicker fix, the microwave works well too—just sprinkle in a splash of water or broth to keep the cabbage tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! While ground beef provides that signature taste, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a lighter or subtly different flavor. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust seasonings a little to balance things out.

Is Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip the soy sauce or use a certified gluten-free alternative like tamari. Everything else is straight from the produce and spice aisles.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of baby spinach tossed in at the end give added color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the classic character of Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage.

What’s the best way to shred cabbage?

The easiest method is to quarter your cabbage, remove the core, then slice each piece thinly with a sharp knife for nice, even shreds. A mandoline or food processor with a shredder attachment also works wonders.

Can I prepare Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be fully cooked up to two days in advance. When ready to serve, just reheat gently and freshen it up with parsley or a splash of vinegar as you plate it up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet brimming with Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage—it’s nourishing, unfussy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want a wholesome meal to see you through the week, I hope this recipe brings a little comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try soon—you’ll be hooked by the very first bite!