Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

This cheesy ground beef and cabbage skillet was a lifesaver on one of my busiest weeknights when I needed dinner everyone would actually eat and love. The mixture of tender cabbage with seasoned beef and melty cheddar forms a meal that feels nostalgic but easy enough for any night. It all comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup and has that crispy cheesy top that everyone fights for at the table.

The first time I made this I was worried my youngest would reject the cabbage but now it is at the top of her request list. The savory and cheesy combo guarantees empty plates in my house on even the most hectic school night.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use the freshest you can find for flavor and choose lean to avoid too much grease
• Onion chopped: A sweet yellow onion works best and adds sweetness and body to the dish
• Green bell pepper: Adds a bit of crunch and mild pepper flavor look for firm shiny peppers
• Minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic lifts the whole dish with a punch of flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory base and adds umami be sure to taste before salting
• Garlic powder: Layers on more garlicky depth if your family is garlic-obsessed like mine
• Onion powder: Enhances the background flavor and helps marry all the ingredients
• Black pepper: Brightens and balances with heat grind it fresh if possible
• Diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a little acidity choose canned with no added salt if possible
• Green chilis: Offers gentle heat and a pop of color use mild or hot depending on your crowd
• Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage becomes sweet and tender as it cooks pick a tight heavy head
• Beef broth: Gives moisture and blends all the flavors opt for reduced sodium for more control
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey golden topping use sharp cheddar for extra zip
• Salt to taste: Always taste and season at the end especially if your broth is salty

Instructions

Brown the Beef and Vegetables:

Start with a large skillet over medium high heat Add ground beef chopped onions and green peppers Cook for about eight to ten minutes breaking apart the meat and stirring slowly until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft The onions should begin turning translucent and fill your kitchen with a savory aroma This is the foundation of flavor

Sauté the Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle for about thirty seconds Stir it constantly to keep it from burning and release its fragrance If there is a lot of fat in the pan carefully drain off the excess at this point to keep things from getting greasy

Season the Skillet:

Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce garlic powder onion powder black pepper and a pinch of salt Give everything a good stir to make sure each bite will be well seasoned Taste the mixture so you can adjust salt as needed

Add the Broth and Tomatoes:

Pour in the beef broth diced tomatoes and green chilis Stir everything together and use your spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet That is where tons of flavor is hiding

Simmer with the Cabbage:

Pile chopped cabbage on top of the mixture and cover the skillet with a lid Turn the heat down to medium and let it simmer for twenty minutes The cabbage will shrink as it cooks so do not worry if it seems like a lot at first Letting it steam in the sauce allows it to tenderize and soak up all the flavors

Melt the Cheese:

Once the cabbage is tender remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top Stir gently so some cheese melts in and some forms a gooey layer on top Let it rest off the heat a minute or two before serving to let that cheese get extra melty

Cabbage is truly the star in this dish I have vivid memories of my grandmother slicing crisp green cabbage so thin it was almost lace Each time I chop cabbage now it brings back the smell of her kitchen and her stories about cooking to feed a crowd during long winters

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they will keep fresh for three days Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts to keep the cheese from overcooking If you want to freeze portion cooled servings into freezer bags and lay them flat They reheat best when thawed first

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground beef you can swap for ground turkey or chicken For vegetarian versions try lentils or a plant based ground crumbles Red or savoy cabbage can stand in for green or you can mix in shredded carrots or zucchini for extra veggies Use Monterey jack or mozzarella cheese for a slightly different melty finish

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is filling enough on its own but a scoop of rice or a hunk of warm bread goes perfectly If you are serving a crowd add a big salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten up the plate For garnish a pinch of fresh parsley or thin sliced scallions looks beautiful and adds freshness

Cultural and Historical Context

Cabbage has been featured in skillet meals for generations in many cultures from American diners to Eastern European kitchens Its long shelf life made it a staple for busy families everywhere Adding a touch of cheese gives it a modern comfort food twist while keeping it budget friendly

Seasonal Adaptations

Try purple cabbage for a color pop in winter Add chopped tomatoes straight from the garden in late summer In colder months add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra warmth

Success Stories

This dish has saved me on more rushed nights than I can count Friends who doubted cabbage now text me for the recipe after potlucks It has gone from a use up what is in the fridge meal to a family favorite that gets rave reviews every time

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make this for the freezer cook everything up through the cabbage step but stop before adding cheese Cool completely and store in freezer bags or containers When ready to serve thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat in a skillet and finish with shredded cheese for a fresh melty top

This skillet dinner makes cabbage irresistible and comes together fast, making it a new family favorite. There is nothing better than serving up gooey cheese and savory vegetables at the end of a long day.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I substitute another meat for ground beef?

Yes, ground sausage or turkey can be used. Adjust seasonings as needed for flavor balance.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar is classic, but you can try Monterey Jack or a blend for extra richness.

→ How do I add more vegetables?

Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or swap half the cabbage with red cabbage for added color and texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What sides pair well with this skillet?

Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or steamed rice for a complete meal.