This cabbage and ground beef dish is a warm, comforting, and fuss-free meal that brings together hearty beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomato flavors in one satisfying skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet flavorful this recipe is. It’s cooked in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. The combination of ground beef and cabbage creates a comforting texture, and the tomato base adds a pleasing tanginess. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or batch cooking for the week.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
directions
- I start by placing the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), sliced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat.
- Once it begins to simmer, I top it with the ground beef—no need to brown it separately—and cover the pot.
- I stir it occasionally and let it cook until the cabbage is tender and the beef is cooked through—about 45 minutes.
- When everything is soft and flavorful, I remove it from heat and serve it while hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cook time: Around 45 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour
Variations
- I sometimes add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce toward the end for depth and umami.
- For extra spice, I stir in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Replacing ground beef with ground turkey is a simple way to mix things up.
- A splash of beef broth makes it saucier—especially nice over rice or mashed potatoes.
storage/reheating
- To refrigerate: I let it cool and store it in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- To freeze: It keeps well in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: I thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave until steamy.
FAQs
What if I don’t have tomatoes?
I can substitute with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. If I only have fresh tomatoes, I dice them and add a bit of tomato paste for richer flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—I cook the ingredients together in a slow cooker on High for about 3 hours. It turns out extra tender and flavorful.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and packs a good amount of protein, making it great for low-carb or keto meals.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. I’ve added carrots, bell pepper, or even mushrooms for extra color and nutrients. Just sauté them first before adding.
How do I make it more flavorful?
Browning the beef briefly adds extra depth. Adding garlic, bay leaves, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce also boosts flavor.
Conclusion
I hope this cabbage and ground beef recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and easy to customize—one pot, minimal effort, and maximum comfort. I love enjoying it on its own or over rice or potatoes for a fulfilling meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cabbage and ground beef dish is a warm, comforting, and fuss-free one-pot meal that combines hearty beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomato flavors. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners or batch cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, sliced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat.
- Once the mixture begins to simmer, top with ground beef without browning it separately, and cover the pot.
- Stir occasionally and cook for about 45 minutes until the cabbage is tender and beef is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for more depth of flavor.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef.
- A splash of beef broth enhances the sauce, great for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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