The One Pan Beef Cabbage is your new weeknight savior, a delicious and incredibly easy meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone seeking a hearty, satisfying dinner without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for One Pan Beef Cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4-5 cups)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra zest)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
How to Make One Pan Beef Cabbage
This One Pan Beef Cabbage is a symphony of simple ingredients coming together with minimal effort. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with softened onions and perfectly cooked cabbage, all coated in a savory, subtly spiced sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture that will have you licking your plate. The best part? It all cooks in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with about 25-30 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and are starting to turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Mince the Garlic and Season
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the seasonings.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Liquids
Add the thinly sliced green cabbage to the skillet. It may seem like a lot of cabbage, but it will cook down significantly. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. If you’re using it, stir in the Dijon mustard now.
Step 4: Simmer and Tenderize
Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and has wilted to your liking. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once the cabbage is tender and the sauce has slightly reduced, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the One Pan Beef Cabbage hot directly from the skillet. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, if desired, for an extra creamy finish.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Beef Cabbage
You’ll absolutely adore this One Pan Beef Cabbage for its incredible heartiness and comforting simplicity. The tender ground beef melds beautifully with the softened cabbage and savory sauce, creating a deeply satisfying flavor profile that’s reminiscent of classic comfort dishes but with a fraction of the effort. Making this at home is a fantastic cost-saver; you get a filling and flavorful meal without the expense of eating out, using familiar and budget-friendly ingredients. And those optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream or fresh parsley? They elevate this humble dish into something truly special!
Forget the lengthy prep and multiple pots and pans associated with other hearty meals. This one-skillet wonder delivers all the deliciousness you crave with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a simple, satisfying meal. Give this One Pan Beef Cabbage a try – we promise it will become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover One Pan Beef Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish has cooled completely before refrigerating.
To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot. If the dish seems a bit dry after reheating, you can add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
This dish also freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked mixture to cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Beef Cabbage truly offers a wonderfully simple yet deeply satisfying meal experience. It’s a testament to how delicious and comforting food can be with minimal ingredients and effort. We wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up this delightful dish; it’s sure to become a favorite go-to!
One Pan Beef Cabbage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and are starting to turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 recommended), 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the seasonings.2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Add the thinly sliced green cabbage to the skillet. It may seem like a lot of cabbage, but it will cook down significantly. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. If you’re using it, stir in the Dijon mustard now.1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4-5 cups), 1/4 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and has wilted to your liking. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Once the cabbage is tender and the sauce has slightly reduced, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the One Pan Beef Cabbage hot directly from the skillet. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, if desired, for an extra creamy finish.Fresh parsley, chopped (optional), Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)