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

This Hearty Hamburger and Cabbage Skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It's a simple, one-pan dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic onions in a savory tomato-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy families.

Cabbage is not only inexpensive but also incredibly versatile. When cooked with beef, it soaks up all the flavors, becoming tender and slightly sweet. This recipe is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Whether you're looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional hamburger helper or just want a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, this skillet delivers. Serve it as-is or over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean)

Lean ground beef keeps the dish from being too greasy. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Yellow onion adds a sweet, savory base. Use a white or sweet onion if preferred.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.

1 small head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped

Green cabbage holds up well in cooking. Savoy cabbage is more delicate and cooks faster.

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity. Use fire-roasted for a smoky flavor.

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor. If you don't have it, add an extra 1/4 cup of tomato sauce.

1 cup beef broth

Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor. Use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire adds umami and depth. For a vegetarian version, use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky note. Regular paprika works, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Salt is essential to bring out flavors. Adjust to your preference.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Olive oil for sautéing. Use canola or vegetable oil if preferred.

Tips & Tricks

• Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; cook in batches if needed to get a good sear.
• Add the cabbage in batches if your skillet is small; it will wilt down quickly.
• For a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Cabbage and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt.

4. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low (about 300°F / 150°C). Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Delicious Variations

• Add 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa to the skillet for a more filling meal.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
• For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

How to Store Hearty Hamburger and Cabbage Skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you enjoy this hearty hamburger and cabbage skillet as much as we do! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love easy, delicious meals!

Hearty Hamburger and Cabbage Skillet

This hearty hamburger and cabbage skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that's budget-friendly, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

10 minPrep time25 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

📋 Instructions

1. 1Brown the Beef — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. 2Sauté Onion and Garlic — Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3Add Cabbage and Seasonings — Stir in the chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt.
4. 4Add Tomatoes and Broth — Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. 5Simmer Until Tender — Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low (about 300°F / 150°C). Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.
6. 6Adjust Seasoning and Serve — Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It's a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 18g protein · 15g carbs · 15g fat