20-Minute Cabbage & Ground Beef Recipe: A Quick, Healthy, One-Pan Meal
Craving a wholesome, satisfying dinner but short on time? Look no further. This 20-Minute Cabbage & Ground Beef recipe is your new weeknight superhero. Imagine tender, lightly sweet cabbage paired with savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef, all cooked in a single pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This dish is more than just a quick fix; it’s a budget-friendly, nutritious, and incredibly versatile meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, this straightforward recipe promises delicious results every single time. Let’s transform a few simple ingredients into a comforting, family-friendly feast in less time than it takes for a pizza delivery.
Your Complete Ingredient List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already.
Core Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, core removed and thinly sliced (about 6-8 cups)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium beef or vegetable broth (or water)
For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or crusty bread
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple, numbered steps to create your one-pan wonder. The entire process flows seamlessly from one step to the next.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This base layer builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart into small crumbles. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper during this process.
Step 3: Add Spices and Cabbage
Sprinkle the paprika and dried thyme over the browned beef. Stir to coat the meat evenly. Now, add all of the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. It will look like a mountain, but don’t worry it wilts down significantly.
Step 4: Steam and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth (or water) and immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium. Allow the cabbage to steam for 8-10 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the lid, give everything a good stir to incorporate the cabbage from the top, and re-cover. The cabbage is done when it is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the lid and let any excess liquid cook off for a minute or two if the mixture seems too wet. Do a final taste test and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Your 20-minute meal is ready!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dish
These handy tips will help you customize the recipe, troubleshoot, and achieve the best flavor.
- Choosing Your Meat:Â You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
- Slice it Right:Â For even cooking, make sure your cabbage is sliced into uniform, thin shreds. A sharp knife or a mandoline (carefully!) makes this task quick.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage:Â The goal is tender-crisp cabbage, not mushy. Keep an eye on it during the steaming phase.
- Boost the Flavor:Â Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef for a deeper umami flavor. A tablespoon of tomato paste added with the spices is another great option.
- Make it a Meal:Â This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Top it with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast twist.
- Storage & Reheating:Â Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. The flavors often taste even better the next day!
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Recipe Awaits
In just 20 minutes, you’ve created a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts. This Cabbage & Ground Beef recipe proves that eating well doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a long list of exotic ingredients. It’s hearty, healthy, endlessly adaptable, and kind to your wallet.
We encourage you to try this recipe tonight. Print it out, bookmark this page, or save it to your recipe app. Once you experience how simple and delicious it is, we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Don’t forget to share your creation and any fun variations you try! Happy cooking
