Looking for a dish that’s delicious, nutritious, and ready in just 30 minutes? The Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe is your perfect solution! Combining the bold, savory flavors of tacos with the hearty crunch of cabbage, this one-pan dish is a weeknight favorite for good reason. Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyle—or simply want something delicious for dinner—this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.
With a minimal ingredient list, short cooking time, and loads of flavor, this dish is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s easy to customize and serves as a versatile base for experimentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Ideal for those watching their carbs without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love the taco-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
To make this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce. Here’s the breakdown:
For the Main Dish:
- Ground beef: 1 lb (85% lean or higher is best for flavor and less grease)
- Shredded green cabbage: 4 cups (about half a medium head of cabbage)
- Onion: 1 small, diced (yellow or white onion works well)
- Bell pepper: 1 medium, diced (any color—red, green, or yellow—for a pop of flavor and color)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (fresh is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (or another neutral oil like avocado oil)
- Canned diced tomatoes: 1 cup (use ones with green chilies if you like it spicy)
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup (or substitute with water for a lighter option)
- Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade; see tips below)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional, but adds freshness)
- Shredded cheese: 1/2 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Lime wedges: 1 small lime, cut into quarters
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (optional, for added creaminess)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your veggies and other ingredients so the cooking process is seamless:
- Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Shred the cabbage into thin strips if you didn’t purchase pre-shredded cabbage.
- Have your canned tomatoes, taco seasoning, and beef broth within arm’s reach.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns.
- Once fully cooked, season lightly with salt and pepper, and drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- To the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
- Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing it well with the beef and veggies.
- Let it cook for 3–5 minutes until it begins to soften. The cabbage should wilt slightly but still retain some crunch.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the mixture.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and beef broth.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the skillet simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to make it your own:
1. Make It Spicy
- Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet for an extra kick.
- Use hot taco seasoning or canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
2. Vegetarian Option
- Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils for a plant-based twist.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to bulk up the dish.
3. Change the Protein
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- For a seafood option, try adding cooked shrimp toward the end.
4. Add Carbs
- Serve the skillet over a base like rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a filling meal.
- Wrap the mixture in tortillas for an easy taco or burrito filling.
5. Boost the Toppings
- Experiment with toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, or sliced avocado.
- Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for texture.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing
- Place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs About Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet
1. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix is a great time-saver and works perfectly.
2. What can I substitute for taco seasoning?
Make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
3. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With low-carb ingredients like ground beef and cabbage, it’s an ideal keto meal.
4. Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that beans will add carbs. Black beans or pinto beans work well for a non-keto version.
5. How can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese or coconut yogurt.
6. What’s the best way to shred cabbage?
Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the cabbage, or a food processor with a shredding blade for quick results.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger skillet and double all the ingredients. The cooking time may increase slightly.
8. Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well and is perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
9. What’s the best type of ground beef to use?
Use 85% lean ground beef or higher for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease.
10. Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes! It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or even roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe is the ultimate one-pan meal that checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. Whether you’re sticking to a low-carb diet or just looking for a delicious dinner idea, this recipe won’t disappoint. With endless ways to customize, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time! 🌮🥬