Ground Beef and Cabbage
This is a great budget-friendly, one pot ground beef and cabbage recipe. You’ll certainly have leftovers for the next day, or you can freeze it to eat at another time.
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
It’s a great way to add vegetables to ground beef! And ground beef is definitely the best, and easiest meat to add to cabbage. If you have too much cabbage and don’t know what to do with it – this is the recipe for you!
It’s also a great way to stretch out a pound of ground beef if you’re on a budget! You’ll only need 5 simple ingredients and 3 spices to create this amazing flavor. You can have it ready in 30 minutes too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy prep and minimal cleanup.
Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients—perfect for feeding a family or stretching ground beef.
Naturally low carb and gluten-free: A great option for clean, simple eating with no need for grains or fillers.
Flavorful and filling: The mix of savory beef, tender cabbage, and tomatoes creates a hearty, comforting dish.
Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage:
- ground beef: Use 85/15 or 90/10 for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease. Drain excess fat after browning if needed.
- yellow onion: Diced and sautéed with the beef to create a sweet and savory base.
- cabbage: Green cabbage works best; shred it thinly so it wilts down and becomes tender during simmering.
- diced tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes with their juices for moisture and a slightly tangy base—fire-roasted tomatoes also work well.
- garlic: Freshly minced for added depth and aroma.
- dried oregano: Adds herby warmth that complements both the beef and tomatoes.
- red chili flakes: Optional but recommended for a gentle kick—adjust to your spice preference.
- olive oil: Only needed if your beef is very lean or the pan needs extra moisture during sautéing.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage:
- Chop the onion and sauté in a little bit of oil, over a medium-high heat until translucent.
- Add the ground beef, garlic spices, salt, pepper and cook until the beef is browned.
- Add the canned tomatoes and cabbage – let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- You can serve this dish over rice, or a low-carb option, like cauliflower rice.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Slice cabbage evenly: Thin, uniform shreds cook down faster and more evenly.
- Simmer covered: Keeping the skillet covered helps the cabbage soften and allows the flavors to meld.
- Stir occasionally: This prevents sticking and ensures the cabbage cooks evenly throughout.
- Customize the flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Use what you have: Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef, and chopped bell pepper or carrots can be added with the onions for extra veggies.
- Leftovers reheat well: This dish is even more flavorful the next day—perfect for make-ahead meals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Arugula Fig Salad
- Roasted Carrots and Zucchini
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Easy Garlic Green Beans
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it needs moisture.
Freezer: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs:
Yes. Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix is a great time-saver and works just as well in this recipe.
It’s great on its own, but you can also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well and will make the dish a bit lighter.
Grab your Free copy
Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
Ground Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and the onions are soft.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a main dish on its own or with rice or potatoes.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Slice cabbage evenly: Thin, uniform shreds cook down faster and more evenly.
- Simmer covered: Keeping the skillet covered helps the cabbage soften and allows the flavors to meld.
- Stir occasionally: This prevents sticking and ensures the cabbage cooks evenly throughout.
- Customize the flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Use what you have: Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef, and chopped bell pepper or carrots can be added with the onions for extra veggies.
- Leftovers reheat well: This dish is even more flavorful the next day, perfect for make-ahead meals.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment and star rating on this post!More Dinner Recipes:
Did You Make This Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe?
If you’ve made this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating. We love hearing your feedback and it greatly helps us improve our recipes!
You can also give us a follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook – we love staying in touch
Was a bit more heavy handed with the spices- absolutely delicious! Nice texture, wonderful flavor. We ate it with tortilla chips on the side..definitely a keeper
Can you add Italian sweet ground sausage?
Can’t see why not!:) I might try it that way next time I make it
I love it! This was what happened, happy accident yet amazing turnout! I went to add the 2nd round of canned tomatoes, it was with chilies (unfortunately it’s for my Grandma and spice is not to her liking)
My attempt to Dr.ing it up I added 1/4 of powdered sugar one can of tomato soup with one can of water. It’s to me tastes perfect!! Mine is definitely more of a stew! I think some rice added to the bowl would go well! For now I fried some bread dough and it’s perfect on this wet rainy day!! Thank you for this simple and very tasty recipe!! Sharing with my cabbage fans!!
Well should have spell checked before submitting !
1/4 cup of sugar
It to me tastes perfect! (Is the correct intended sentence
This meal is perfect and both my sisters love it
We are eating this dish now!! So good!!!! It’s a keeper!!
I’m eating Paleo right now, and this meal was the perfect meal, even by itself! And it took minimal effort 👌
I threw in some egg noodles, nice variation for cabbage and noodles
Quick and easy!
Easy and delicious! Always makes enough for two meals – it’s a win win for me!