Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet

This skillet dinner is everything you want after a busy day when you need something hearty but simple to pull together. Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is savory and satisfying with pockets of melted cheese and tender vegetables. It is truly a fuss-free family meal that has everyone coming back for seconds and it leaves barely any clean-up.

When I first made this for a neighborhood potluck I was shocked at how fast it disappeared. Now it is my go-to for weeknights and gatherings because no one can resist it

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings rich flavor and hearty protein opt for eighty five percent lean for a balance of moisture and taste
• Onion chopped: sweetens the dish as it cooks look for a firm onion with no soft spots for best flavor
• Green bell pepper: adds crunch and a mild earthiness use a glossy pepper that feels heavy for its size
• Minced garlic: brightens everything with its sharp aroma always use a fresh clove for a stronger punch
• Worcestershire sauce: brings umami depth that ties the flavors together choose an aged bottle if possible
• Garlic powder: for extra savory notes make sure your spice is fragrant
• Onion powder: enhances the sweetness of the vegetables use one that is lump free
• Black pepper: together gives a tiny kick freshly ground is always best
• Diced tomatoes: add warmth and acidity look for a can without added sugars
• Green chilis: give a gentle heat pick a mild can if cooking for kids
• Cabbage: the star of the show choose a heavy tight head with crisp outer leaves
• Beef broth: adds richness and helps everything meld together try low sodium to control salt
• Shredded cheddar cheese: makes for that irresistible melted top shred it yourself for better texture
• Salt to taste: rounds out all the flavors opt for kosher or sea salt if you can

Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:

Chop the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces. This helps them blend easily into every bite and ensures they soften nicely. Slice the cabbage into thin shreds using a sharp knife to make sure the pieces cook evenly.

Brown the Beef and Vegetables:

Add the ground beef onion and green bell pepper to a large skillet. Cook over medium high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. This step is key to building a flavorful base.

Sauté the Garlic:

Mix in the minced garlic and stir continuously for about thirty seconds. This gently toasts the garlic releasing all of its savory aroma. Watch closely to avoid burning because it cooks quickly.

Season the Mixture:

Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce garlic powder onion powder black pepper and a pinch of salt. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed and everything is coated in the savory mixture.

Add Tomatoes and Broth:

Pour in the beef broth followed by the diced tomatoes and green chilis. Stir everything together making sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom for maximum flavor.

Cook the Cabbage:

Spread the sliced cabbage over the mixture. Place a lid on the skillet reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for about twenty minutes. The cabbage should be tender but still have a light bite for the best texture.

Add Cheese and Finish:

Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Stir gently until the cheese is melted throughout the dish. Once the cheese is gooey and incorporated serve right away for best results.

Cabbage is my favorite part of this recipe because it takes on all the savory flavors and becomes meltingly soft. My family always teases me because I try to sneak more into my serving. This skillet has become a tradition at our house especially on chilly nights when something warm and cheesy is just what we need.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. You can freeze portions in a zip top bag for up to two months making this perfect for prepping ahead.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile. If red cabbage is available you may use half green and half red for extra color and nutrients. Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella can stand in for cheddar if you want a different cheesy melt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this skillet as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or over rice for extra comfort. A fresh cucumber salad or simple coleslaw pairs nicely to balance the richness. Try making a double batch for gatherings or meal prep lunches.

Cultural Context

Skillet meals like this have roots in traditional American farmhouse kitchens where easy one pan dinners became a staple for busy families. Cabbage and ground meat is a classic frugal pairing found in many global cuisines from Eastern European to Southern comfort food traditions.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use Napa cabbage in spring for a lighter flavor. Add diced zucchini or mushrooms in summer when vegetables are abundant. Swap canned tomatoes for fresh diced tomatoes during prime tomato season.

Success Stories

Many home cooks have written to say this skillet changed how their families feel about cabbage. I have seen picky kids ask for seconds which never happened with other cabbage recipes. It really brings everyone around the table with big smiles.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the recipe as directed up to the cheese step. Let cool completely then portion into freezer safe containers. To serve thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Add fresh cheese at the end for the best melt.

This one skillet meal truly delivers maximum comfort with minimum fuss. Make it once and you’ll want it on repeat all year long.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground sausage or turkey can be substituted for beef to suit your taste.

→ Which type of cabbage is best?

Green cabbage works well, but mixing in some red cabbage adds color and flavor variety.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini blend in perfectly without overpowering the dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

→ Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and makes multiple servings, which is ideal for make-ahead meals.

→ Which cheese melts best for topping?

Shredded cheddar melts smoothly, but you can also try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety.