It’s cozy, hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. You get all the taste of cabbage rolls — without all the work. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!Here’s a simple, flavorful version 👇
🥘 Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet
🍽️ Serves:
4–6 people
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20–25 min | Total: ~30 min
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
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1 Tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)
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1 small onion, diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ head of green cabbage, chopped (about 5–6 cups)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
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2 Tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for deeper flavor)
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½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional, for umami)
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup beef broth or water
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the beef
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In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and mostly cooked through (5–6 minutes).
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Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add aromatics
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Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add cabbage and sauce ingredients
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Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, Worcestershire, and beef broth.
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Stir well to coat the cabbage in the sauce.
4. Simmer
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and sauce has thickened.
5. Finish and serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning (a splash more Worcestershire or salt if needed).
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
🍚 Serving Ideas
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Serve over steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
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Or keep it low-carb and enjoy it as-is — it’s hearty enough!
💡 Variations
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Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for sweetness and color.
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Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
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For a spicier twist, stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or hot sauce.
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Sprinkle a bit of cheddar or mozzarella on top, cover the skillet, and melt before serving.
Would you like me to give you a sweet & sour version (like an “unstuffed cabbage roll” with vinegar and brown sugar)? It’s tangy, saucy, and delicious too!
