Low Carb Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
If you’re looking for a simple, hearty dinner that delivers big flavor without a lot of carbs, this Low Carb Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe is just what you need! Tender chopped cabbage, savory browned ground beef, butter, and flavorful seasonings come together in one skillet for a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.
This old-fashioned skillet dinner is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights. The cabbage softens as it cooks, soaking up the delicious beef juices while keeping a little texture. Every bite is savory, satisfying, and wonderfully simple.
Best of all, there’s no pasta, rice, or complicated sauce to worry about. Just everyday ingredients transformed into a delicious low-carb meal!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Low in carbohydrates and high in flavor
Made with affordable everyday ingredients
One skillet means less cleanup
Ready in about 35 minutes
Packed with protein
Naturally gluten-free when using suitable seasonings
Easy to customize with cheese, bacon, or spices
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Great for keto and low-carb lifestyles
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired, Low Carb
🛒 Ingredients
1½ pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 small yellow onion, diced (optional)
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check the label for added sugar and carbohydrates)
Optional Toppings
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
Fresh parsley
A small pat of butter
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
👩🍳 How to Make Low Carb Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.
Cut it into quarters, remove the hard core, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform so they cook evenly.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic if using.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.
Cook until the beef is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a little behind for flavor.
Step 3: Add the Onion and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter and diced onion to the skillet.
Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
The garlic should smell fragrant without browning too much.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in the paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, if using.
Stir well to coat the beef in the seasonings.
Step 5: Add the Chopped Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet.
It may seem like a lot at first, but cabbage shrinks considerably as it cooks.
Stir thoroughly, mixing the cabbage with the seasoned beef.
Pour in the beef broth and stir again.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
For cabbage with a little bite, begin checking after 8–10 minutes. For softer cabbage, cook a few minutes longer.
If the skillet becomes too dry before the cabbage is tender, add another splash of broth.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid and stir everything together.
If there’s excess liquid, simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to reduce it.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
For a cheesy version, sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover, and let it melt for 1–2 minutes.
Serve hot, with crispy bacon or an extra pat of butter if desired.
💡 Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Cabbage
Brown the Beef Well
Allowing the beef to develop a little browning adds deeper, richer flavor to the entire skillet.
Don’t Crowd the Pan Too Much
A large skillet gives the cabbage room to soften. If your pan is small, add the cabbage in batches.
Control the Cabbage Texture
Cook for less time if you prefer slightly crisp cabbage, or longer if you like it soft and tender.
Keep It Low Carb
For a lower-carb version, omit the onion, use a no-added-sugar Worcestershire sauce, and check the labels on your broth and seasonings.
Make It Extra Rich
A little butter stirred in at the end makes the beef and cabbage especially flavorful.
🌶️ Delicious Variations
🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack during the final few minutes. Cover until the cheese melts.
🥓 Bacon Beef and Cabbage
Cook 4–6 slices of bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and stir it into the finished skillet.
🌶️ Spicy Cabbage Skillet
Add red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
🍅 Tomato Beef and Cabbage
Stir in ½ cup diced tomatoes or a small amount of no-added-sugar tomato sauce. This variation adds a little more carbohydrate, so adjust portions to suit your goals.
🧄 Garlic Butter Version
Omit the Worcestershire sauce and add an extra tablespoon of butter and another clove of garlic for a simple buttery flavor.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This skillet meal is filling on its own, but you can pair it with:
Cauliflower rice
Roasted broccoli
Garlic butter mushrooms
Steamed green beans
Cauliflower mash
A simple green salad
Sliced avocado
For a more carnivore-inspired meal, serve it with crispy bacon or a fried egg.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Allow the leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container within 2 hours.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The cabbage may become softer after thawing, but the dish will still be flavorful.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
For microwave reheating, heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between intervals.
📊 Approximate Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, assuming 4 servings and excluding optional toppings. Values vary with the fat content of the beef and the exact ingredients used.
Calories: 440
Protein: 34g
Fat: 29g
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Net Carbohydrates: 8g
Omitting the onion and using low-carbohydrate broth and seasonings may reduce the carbohydrate count slightly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken works well. You may need a little extra butter or olive oil to keep the dish moist.
Can I make this recipe without onion?
Absolutely. Simply leave it out. The garlic, paprika, beef, and cabbage provide plenty of flavor.
How do I keep the cabbage from becoming watery?
Avoid adding too much broth, and simmer uncovered at the end if excess liquid collects in the pan.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, although red cabbage has a slightly different flavor and will change the appearance of the dish. Green cabbage is the traditional choice for this skillet-style recipe.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can fit many low-carb and keto meal plans. With approximately 8g net carbs per serving under the stated ingredient assumptions, check your own ingredient labels and serving sizes to determine whether it fits your daily carbohydrate target.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Chop the cabbage and onion in advance and refrigerate them separately. You can also cook the entire dish ahead of time and reheat portions when needed.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, but brown the beef first for the best flavor. Add the beef, cabbage, seasonings, and a small amount of broth to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for about 4–5 hours, checking the cabbage for tenderness. The skillet method is faster and gives better control over the cabbage texture.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe proves that a satisfying dinner doesn’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Savory beef, tender cabbage, butter, and simple seasonings create a delicious one-pan meal that’s easy on your budget and full of comforting flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, preparing lunches for the week, or looking for another easy low-carb dinner, this simple skillet deserves a spot in your regular rotation.