Looking for a quick, comforting dinner with minimal ingredients? This one-pan wonder combines juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheese in a Tex-Mex-inspired skillet. It’s low-carb, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 20 minutes!
🕒 Quick Recipe Snapshot
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Dietary Info: Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 cup salsa (choose your spice level)
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2–3 cups chopped cabbage
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3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Chopped green onions (for garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Spice & Simmer
Add the chili powder and salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors develop.
3. Add Cabbage & Steam
Add chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
4. Top with Cheese & Serve
Remove the lid and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Let it melt, then garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm!
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-pan meal—hello, easy clean-up
✅ Low-carb comfort food without sacrificing flavor
✅ Customizable heat level with your favorite salsa
✅ Ready in 20 minutes for busy weeknights or meal prep
🧾 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
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Ground Beef: Use lean beef or sub in ground turkey for a lighter option.
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Salsa: Go smoky, spicy, or fruity—whatever suits your mood!
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Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, but Napa or red cabbage can also be used.
Add-Ins to Try:
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Diced bell peppers
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A handful of corn or black beans (if not keeping it low-carb)
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A splash of lime juice for brightness
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Eat it straight from the skillet—delish!
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Serve over cauliflower rice or mashed avocado for a keto plate
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Scoop into low-carb tortillas for a cabbage taco twist 🌮
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in meal prep portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms.
Q: Is this recipe keto?
A: Absolutely! It’s naturally low in carbs, high in fat, and gluten-free.
Q: Can I add more spice?
A: Totally! Toss in red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or use a spicy salsa.
📝 Kristy’s Kitchen Note
This skillet has saved many of my weeknights. It’s humble but hearty—kind of like a deconstructed taco meets a cabbage roll! I love how the cabbage soaks up all that smoky salsa goodness, and the melted cheddar just seals the deal. Bonus? My kids eat it without complaint. 🙌
Let’s Talk Skillet Dinners!
Tried this Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, leave a star rating, or tag me @KristyCooks on social media. 💬👇