9 Easy Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipes for Quick Dinners

Tired of the endless “What’s for dinner?” dilemma? You’re not alone. Busy weeknights often leave us craving something satisfying, yet quick and easy to prepare, without breaking the bank.

The good news is, there’s a dynamic duo ready to swoop in and save your supper: ground beef and cabbage. This humble pairing is incredibly versatile, economical, and can transform into a hearty, comforting meal in no time.

Ground beef and cabbage recipes offer the perfect blend of simplicity, affordability, and hearty flavor, making them an ideal choice for quick, satisfying weeknight dinners. Their versatility allows for diverse culinary variations, from comforting casseroles to speedy stir-fries, all often prepared in a single pot. In my own experience, these recipes became a weekly staple when I needed wholesome, fuss-free meals that truly delivered on taste.

Tired of Dinner Dilemmas? Discover Your New Weeknight Go-To!

Why Cabbage and Ground Beef Are Your Dinner Superheroes

Cabbage and ground beef are dinner superheroes because they are incredibly economical, packed with nutrients, versatile for various flavor profiles, and often cook up in a single pot for minimal cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. They truly simplify your cooking life.

• Budget-Friendly: Both ground beef and cabbage are affordable staples, allowing you to create wholesome meals without a hefty grocery bill.
• Nutrient Powerhouses: Cabbage is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants, while ground beef provides essential protein and iron. Together, they form a balanced, healthy meal.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonders: Many ground beef and cabbage dishes can be prepared in a single skillet or pot, significantly reducing cleanup time. This is a huge win on busy evenings!
• Incredible Versatility: From savory stews to zesty stir-fries, this combination adapts to almost any cuisine or flavor profile you can imagine.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These dishes often taste even better the next day, making them excellent candidates for batch cooking and easy lunch leftovers. I always find that the flavors meld beautifully after a night in the fridge.

9 Easy Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipes for Quick Dinners

Discover 9 easy and delicious cabbage and ground beef recipes perfect for quick dinners, including classic skillet meals, Asian-inspired stir-fries, comforting casseroles, and more, all designed for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. These are tried-and-true favorites that deliver on taste, ease, and reliability every time.

1. Classic One-Pan Skillet Cabbage and Ground Beef

The Classic One-Pan Skillet Cabbage and Ground Beef is a foundational, comforting, and straightforward dish that combines browned beef, tender cabbage, and diced tomatoes for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s a go-to for a reason!

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb lean ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small head green cabbage, cored and shredded
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* ½ tsp paprika
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (with liquid), beef broth, Italian seasoning, and paprika to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Pro-Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, brown the ground beef until truly caramelized before adding the aromatics. This creates a rich base that elevates the entire dish.

Pin this comforting classic for your next family dinner!

2. Zesty Asian-Inspired Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir-Fry

This Zesty Asian-Inspired Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a fast, flavor-packed dish with an Asian twist, perfect for a lighter meal or serving over rice, and comes together quickly in a skillet or wok. It’s surprisingly simple yet bursts with flavor.

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
* 5 cups shredded green cabbage
* 2 carrots, shredded or julienned
* ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
* 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
* Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until cabbage begins to soften but still has a slight crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing to coat.
5. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Pro-Tip: For maximum flavor and crispness, avoid overcrowding the pan. If you have a smaller skillet, cook the cabbage in batches or use a larger wok.

Try this quick stir-fry tonight!

3. Hearty Baked Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

The Hearty Baked Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a substantial, comforting, and easy-to-assemble baked dish that layers seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese, perfect for feeding a family. It’s pure comfort food!

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* ½ tsp garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 cups shredded green cabbage
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Spread half of the shredded cabbage evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
5. Repeat layers with remaining cabbage, beef mixture, and cheeses.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: For a richer flavor and to ensure the cabbage cooks down perfectly, you can sauté the cabbage briefly before layering it into the casserole. This also helps reduce its initial volume.

Bake up this comforting casserole tonight!

4. Quick Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls Skillet

The Quick Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls Skillet allows you to enjoy the savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling process, all in a fast and easy skillet format. It’s all the taste, none of the fuss.

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 cups shredded green cabbage
* 1 cup cooked white rice (optional, for a heartier meal)
* 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh)
* ½ tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, dill, smoked paprika, and brown sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
4. If using, stir in cooked rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Pro-Tip: Using a combination of diced and crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) gives a richer, more authentic cabbage roll sauce. A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity beautifully.

Get the classic taste without the fuss!

5. Speedy 20-Minute Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

The Speedy 20-Minute Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is designed to be a genuinely quick and easy meal, ideal for the busiest weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients and delivering maximum flavor in record time. It’s your ultimate fast food at home.

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* ½ large onion, diced (or 1 small)
* 3 cups shredded green cabbage
* ½ cup beef broth
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* ½ tsp onion powder
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in shredded cabbage, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, or until cabbage is wilted to your desired tenderness and most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For truly 20-minute speed, ensure your ground beef is lean to avoid draining fat, and shred your cabbage very thinly so it cooks down faster.

Master the art of quick dinners!

6. Southern Fried Cabbage with Ground Beef

Southern Fried Cabbage with Ground Beef is a flavorful, savory Southern-style dish that incorporates crispy bacon and tender fried cabbage with ground beef for a complete, comforting meal. It’s a true taste of the South.

Ingredients:
* 4 slices bacon, chopped
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups shredded green cabbage
* ¼ cup chicken or beef broth
* 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
* ½ tsp smoked paprika
* Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon grease in the pan.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon grease/beef fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shredded cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, or until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Pour in chicken or beef broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.
6. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the bacon grease! It’s key to authentic Southern fried cabbage flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.

Bring Southern comfort to your table!

7. Low-Carb Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet (Keto-Friendly)

The Low-Carb Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a satisfying and flavorful meal designed to adhere to low-carb or ketogenic dietary principles, offering a healthy and hearty option without added starches. It’s proof that healthy eating can be delicious.

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
* 1 lb lean ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups shredded green cabbage
* ½ cup beef broth (check for no added sugar)
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh dill or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in minced garlic, shredded cabbage, beef broth, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally.
4. Remove lid and cook for another 5 minutes, if needed, to reduce any remaining liquid.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Pro-Tip: For an even lower-carb option, ensure your beef broth is sugar-free. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors without adding carbs.

Stay on track with this delicious low-carb meal!

8. Eastern European Inspired Beef and Cabbage Skillet

The Eastern European Inspired Beef and Cabbage Skillet explores a traditional, hearty flavor profile for ground beef and cabbage, often featuring aromatic caraway seeds or a hint of tangy sauerkraut. It’s a deeply comforting dish with a rich heritage.

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp lard or oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 tsp caraway seeds
* ½ tsp sweet paprika
* 6 cups shredded green cabbage
* 1 cup beef broth
* ¼ cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained (optional)
* 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
* Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Heat lard or oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in caraway seeds and sweet paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shredded cabbage and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until cabbage is very tender.
4. If using, stir in rinsed sauerkraut during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish generously with fresh dill before serving.

Pro-Tip: To truly embrace the Eastern European spirit, serve this dish with a dollop of sour cream or a side of crusty rye bread. The caraway seeds are essential for that authentic flavor!

Explore new flavors with this hearty dish!

9. Comforting Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup

The Comforting Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a warm, inviting, and filling soup version of the ground beef and cabbage combination, perfect for colder days or when you need a light yet satisfying meal. It’s a cozy bowl of goodness.

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups shredded green cabbage
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 6 cups beef broth
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (with liquid), beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until cabbage and vegetables are tender.
5. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro-Tip: For an even richer soup, use a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock. This soup tastes even better the next day, making it excellent for meal prepping!

Warm up with a bowl of this comforting soup!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipes

Your quick guide to cabbage and ground beef recipes highlights their exceptional versatility, speed of preparation, and remarkable nutritional and economic benefits, making them ideal for any home cook. These dishes offer a fantastic solution for delicious, no-fuss meals.

• Versatility is Key: Ground beef and cabbage adapt to countless flavor profiles, from Asian stir-fries to hearty casseroles, making meal planning exciting and diverse.
• Speed & Simplicity: Many variations are one-pan wonders, ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.
• Economical & Nutritious: This dynamic duo offers a budget-friendly source of protein and essential vitamins, proving healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank.
• Flavor Boosters: Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings like caraway seeds, paprika, fresh herbs, or a splash of vinegar to enhance cabbage’s natural taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These dishes often taste even better the next day, making them excellent candidates for batch cooking and easy lunch leftovers.

People Also Ask About Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipes

What seasoning is good for ground beef and cabbage?

For ground beef and cabbage, versatile seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a touch of acid like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, can brighten the flavors. For an Asian twist, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil are excellent choices.

What meat goes well with cabbage?

While ground beef is a classic and highly versatile choice, cabbage pairs wonderfully with various meats. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be excellent leaner alternatives. Smoked sausage, bacon, and even plant-based crumbles also complement cabbage beautifully, offering diverse flavor profiles for your dishes.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it?

Adding a touch of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar or white vinegar) to cabbage when cooking or boiling serves multiple purposes. It helps prevent red cabbage from turning a dull blue color, keeping its vibrant hue. Additionally, vinegar brightens the flavor of cooked cabbage, cutting through any bitterness and adding a pleasant tang that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef and cabbage dishes truly redefine weeknight dining, proving that quick, easy, and affordable meals can also be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. We hope these 9 recipes inspire you to get creative in your kitchen and discover new family favorites. Which of these recipes are you most excited to try first? Share your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below!