Easy Hamburger Cabbage Skillet – 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

There are some meals that just feel like a warm hug, and this hamburger and cabbage skillet is one of them. I remember my mom making something similar on busy weeknights, and now I make it for my own family when we need something comforting, quick, and that doesn't break the bank.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: ground beef, cabbage, and a few pantry staples come together in one skillet for a hearty meal that's both satisfying and nourishing. It's the kind of recipe that makes you look like a superhero on a Tuesday night, even when you're running on empty.

Whether you're feeding a hungry crew or just looking for a cozy dinner for two (with leftovers for lunch), this recipe is a game-changer. Let's get that skillet sizzling!

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

For a richer flavor, use 85% lean ground beef. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Yellow onion adds a sweet, savory base. Use a sweet onion like Vidalia for a milder taste.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best here, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.

1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

Green cabbage holds its texture well. Savoy cabbage or napa cabbage are also good and a bit more tender.

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth. If you only have crushed tomatoes, that works too.

1 cup beef broth

Low-sodium beef broth is ideal to control salt. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth.

1 tablespoon tomato paste

Tomato paste adds richness and umami. If you don't have it, skip it and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Smoked paprika gives a subtle smokiness. Regular paprika or chili powder are good substitutes.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste, especially if your broth is salted.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Olive oil is great for browning. You can also use vegetable or canola oil.

Tips & Tricks

Don't rush the browning

Let the beef get a nice golden crust, which adds deep flavor.

• Cut cabbage into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pan.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Reduce heat to medium (about 325°F / 165°C) and add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Cabbage and Seasonings

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, along with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt and become slightly tender.

4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Simmer the Skillet

Return the browned beef to the skillet. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low (about 200°F / 95°C). Cover and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite. The liquid should reduce slightly.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a saucier dish, add a splash more broth or water.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. This dish is delicious on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread.

Delicious Variations

Cheesy Cabbage Skillet

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top during the last 2 minutes of cooking, then cover until melted.

Spicy Sausage Cabbage Skillet

Swap half of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage for an extra flavor kick.

Low-Carb Cabbage Skillet

Omit the tomato paste and serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or potatoes.

How to Store Hearty Hamburger and Cabbage Skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this hamburger and cabbage skillet becomes a staple in your home like it is in mine. It's simple, satisfying, and made with love. Breathe, play, connect.

Hearty Hamburger and Cabbage Skillet

This one-pan hamburger and cabbage skillet is a savory, budget-friendly weeknight dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (185 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

📋 Instructions

1. 1Brown the Beef — Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pan.
2. 2Sauté Onion and Garlic — Reduce heat to medium (about 325°F / 165°C) and add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3Add Cabbage and Seasonings — Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, along with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt and become slightly tender.
4. 4Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth — Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. 5Simmer the Skillet — Return the browned beef to the skillet. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low (about 200°F / 95°C). Cover and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite. The liquid should reduce slightly.
6. 6Taste and Adjust — Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a saucier dish, add a splash more broth or water.
7. 7Serve and Enjoy — Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. This dish is delicious on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a special touch, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 20g protein · 15g carbs · 15g fat

Written by Aisha Okafor
Aisha writes about mindful parenting and creative play for children, drawing from her experiences as a mother in a busy household. She offers low-prep activity ideas and gentle discipline strategies.