This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is a delicious and quick weeknight meal that combines the savory flavors of tacos with the heartiness of cabbage. Perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful, satisfying, and healthy, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes. With its savory ground beef, crisp cabbage, and zesty taco seasoning, it’s a one-pan dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The optional toppings allow you to customize each serving, making it an easy meal to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional tacos or just want a fresh spin on a classic, this recipe is a winner. The combination of textures from the beef and cabbage, along with the richness of the taco seasoning, creates a savory dish that’s both comforting and exciting to eat. Best of all, it requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether served on its own or with a side of rice or tortillas, this skillet meal is both satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and hassle-free dinner.

2. Low-Carb Option

The cabbage acts as a great substitute for taco shells, making it a great low-carb alternative to traditional tacos.

3. One-Pan Meal

With minimal cleanup required, this dish is perfect for those who want to save time in both cooking and washing up.

4. Customizable Toppings

You can easily personalize each serving with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, cheese, or salsa, allowing for versatility.

5. Healthy and Flavorful

Packed with lean protein from the ground beef and fiber from the cabbage, this dish is both nutritious and flavorful, providing a balanced meal for everyone.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Cabbage, shredded or chopped
Taco seasoning
Beef broth or water
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges

Variations

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
Cheese Lovers: Stir in some melted cheese toward the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy skillet.
Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Stir in the shredded or chopped cabbage, cooking for about 5 minutes, until it begins to soften but still retains some crunch.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the beef broth or water. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking. Stir well to incorporate any additional seasonings.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is cooked to your liking, serve the skillet meal topped with optional garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose lean ground beef: 85% lean ground beef is ideal for this dish, as it provides enough fat for flavor without being overly greasy.
Don’t overcook the cabbage: Cabbage should still have some texture and crunch when done, so be careful not to overcook it.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you prefer to avoid store-bought seasoning, you can make your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
Use a wide skillet: A larger skillet will help you evenly distribute the ingredients and cook them more efficiently.
Make it spicy: For an extra kick, add hot sauce or chili flakes during cooking.

How to Serve

This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet can be served as a standalone meal or with additional sides like:

Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping.
A side of rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
A fresh salad with a tangy lime dressing.
Guacamole and salsa for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked skillet meal for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.

3. How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on the taco seasoning you use. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of seasoning or adding additional spices.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated.

5. Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage instead of regular green cabbage.

6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free taco seasoning or make your own.

7. Can I add cheese to the skillet while cooking?

Yes, adding cheese towards the end of cooking can create a cheesy, creamy texture.

8. What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

9. Can I serve this dish with tortillas?

Yes, this dish pairs well with soft tortillas or tortilla chips, especially if you want to create taco-style servings.

10. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, you can include chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes while cooking.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is a simple, tasty, and customizable dish that will become a go-to recipe for busy nights. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a satisfying, healthy meal in no time. Whether you keep it as is or make your own variations, this skillet meal is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun family meal with your favorite toppings.