Cabbage and Ground Beef
Sometimes the best dinners are the ones that use simple, everyday ingredients and still taste incredible. That’s exactly what you get with Cabbage and Ground Beef—a hearty, one-pot meal that’s budget-friendly, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet onions, an

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Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Add cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage, letting it cook down slightly.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, sprinkle in bouillon powder, paprika, and additional pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and flavors meld.
- Taste & adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or seasonings if needed.
- Serve: Hot, with fresh parsley if you’d like.
Sometimes the best dinners are the ones that use simple, everyday ingredients and still taste incredible. That’s exactly what you get with Cabbage and Ground Beef—a hearty, one-pot meal that’s budget-friendly, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet onions, and tomatoes simmer together with savory seasoning to create a cozy dish that feels both nourishing and comforting.
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Why You’ll Love Cabbage and Ground Beef
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh cabbage come together easily.
- One-pot meal: Less cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Budget-friendly: Stretch ground beef into a full, filling dinner.
- Comfort food: Warm, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights.
What Does It Taste Like?
This dish is savory and satisfying, with cabbage that softens into tender, flavorful bites as it cooks. The beef adds richness, while tomatoes bring brightness and a touch of acidity. Onion, garlic, and bouillon powder infuse everything with a comforting, well-rounded taste. It’s the kind of humble, hearty meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Affordable, nutritious, and delicious.
- Great for meal prep—flavors get even better the next day.
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt to dietary needs.
- Versatile enough to serve on its own or as a side.
Ingredients for Cabbage and Ground Beef
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean works best)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder (beef or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Ground meat: Swap beef with turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce instead of canned.
- Bouillon: Replace with broth or stock (reduce salt accordingly).
- Veggies: Add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Seasoning: Try Italian herbs, cumin, or red pepper flakes to switch up the flavor.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef
- Cook beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Add cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage, letting it cook down slightly.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, sprinkle in bouillon powder, paprika, and additional pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and flavors meld.
- Taste & adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or seasonings if needed.
- Serve: Hot, with fresh parsley if you’d like.
What to Serve with Cabbage and Ground Beef
- Crusty bread or cornbread
- Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles
- A crisp green salad on the side
- Pickles or sauerkraut for tangy contrast
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Cabbage and Ground Beef is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. With tender cabbage, juicy beef, and savory seasonings, it’s a wholesome, budget-friendly dish that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy Sunday meal.
If you loved this, you might also enjoy:
- Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet
- Beef and Rice Casserole
- Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey
I’d love to see your take on this recipe! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest—it’s always fun to see your creations.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
Tips for Success
- Chop cabbage evenly: This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Giving it time lets the flavors deepen.
- Make it saucier: Add ½ cup broth if you prefer more liquid.
- Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Brown beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Can I make it low-carb?
It already is! Just serve as is or with cauliflower rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this is a great meal to scale up for meal prep or a crowd.
Does the cabbage get mushy?
Not if you simmer gently and stop cooking once it’s just tender.

By Amanda Davis