Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage recipe is your ticket to a hearty, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. Combining tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and savory seasonings, this dish brings balanced flavors and nutritious ingredients together in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a satisfying dinner without the fuss, it’s a crowd pleaser that delivers big taste with little effort.

Why This Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe is a Must-Try

The magic of this meal lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of staples, this dish comes together quickly yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The slightly caramelized beef pairs perfectly with sweet cabbage and simple aromatics, offering a satisfying meal that’s filling but not heavy. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and can be further customized to suit your family’s preferences.

How to Make Perfect One-Pan Beef and Cabbage

Start by browning the beef to develop depth of flavor, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. The sliced cabbage goes in last, gently wilting to tender perfection while soaking up the beefy goodness and seasoning. You can elevate the flavor with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire, or keep it classic with just salt and pepper. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end makes this homestyle dish shine.

The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

Thanks to its quick cook time and single-pan convenience, this recipe is tailor-made for busy home cooks. It’s also endlessly versatile: swap beef for turkey, add bell peppers or carrots, or toss in a handful of precooked rice for a complete meal. The flavors meld wonderfully, making leftovers just as irresistible as the night it’s made.

Serving Suggestions for Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage

Enjoy as-is for a low-carb main, or serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for extra heartiness. Garnish with fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat. A side of crusty bread or a light cucumber salad makes a refreshing complement to this cozy skillet dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Each portion contains approximately 280–320 calories, depending on the fat content of your beef and optional add-ins. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome main dish that fits a variety of dietary needs.

Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe (Recap)

This dish brings together the savory flavors of beef and the delicate sweetness of cabbage in an effortless one-pan format. Its versatility, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a staple for busy cooks.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook about 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir well to combine with the beef.
4. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce or Worcestershire (if using). Stir everything together, then reduce heat to medium. Cover the pan and let cabbage cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly reduced in volume.
5. Remove lid and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to evaporate extra moisture and allow flavors to meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onion. Optionally, spoon over rice or potatoes for a heartier meal.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a meal prep favorite, keeping well in the fridge for several days and reheating beautifully. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to easily add it to your weekly meal plan and consolidate your shopping list across all planned recipes.

Meal Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total quantities needed for multiple meals
• Keeps your shopping list sorted by grocery category for no-fuss trips
• Reduces duplicate purchases and food waste by counting overlapping ingredients
• Supports efficient meal prep and batch cooking for busy weeks

Pro tip: When planning your week, let CookifyAI suggest complementary recipes—it makes meal prep smoother and ensures you always have what you need on hand.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes