Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet that’s perfect for a quick, low-carb dinner. This one-pan recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheese with a Mexican-inspired blend of spices, delivering a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and cook on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 5–6 cups)
Tomato and Spices
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, which enhances the overall flavor base.
- Add cabbage and spices: Stir in the chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cover and cook: Cover the skillet and cook the mixture for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has wilted and become tender but still retains some texture.
- Evaporate excess liquid: Uncover the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate, preventing the dish from being watery.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the skillet hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired, adding brightness and freshness to the dish.
Notes
- This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free alternative, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- To make the skillet heartier, add corn or black beans along with the cabbage.
- Adjust the spice levels to taste by adding more or less chili powder or fresh chilies.
