Simple & Hearty Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Dinner bursts with flavor in this hearty ground beef taco cabbage skillet that delivers bold southwestern flair.

Packed with protein and low-carb goodness, this one-pan marvel comes together faster than traditional tacos.

Cabbage adds unexpected crunch and nutrition to every delectable bite.

Seasoned ground beef mingles with tender vegetables, creating a meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

Spices dance across the skillet, infusing each ingredient with zesty taco magic.

Minimal cleanup and maximum taste make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Dive into a delicious meal that brings restaurant-style excitement straight to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and satisfying protein punch; choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Beef Broth or Water: Helps create succulent sauce and enhance overall taste; use low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds deep, foundational flavor profile; select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste intensity.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color; pick brightly colored peppers without soft spots.

• Cabbage: Creates light, crisp base with subtle sweetness; choose fresh, tightly packed heads with no wilting.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers zesty, authentic southwestern kick; consider homemade blend for fresher taste.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty finish; select good melting varieties like cheddar or Mexican blend.

What Tools To Use For Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef, sautéing aromatics, and combining all ingredients.
• Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing vegetables with precision.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for shredding cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of taco seasoning.

How To Cook Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

• Beef Browning

A hot skillet transforms ground beef into a golden, crumbly masterpiece. Sear the meat until it’s perfectly cooked, letting those rich, meaty flavors develop. Drain any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

• Aromatic Foundation

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the same skillet, creating a fragrant base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Let them dance and soften, releasing their magical flavors.

• Cabbage Transformation

Introduce shredded cabbage to the party, stirring it gently into the skillet. Watch as the crisp vegetable begins to soften and absorb all the delicious surrounding flavors. Bell peppers can join in for extra color and crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Flavor Explosion

Reunite the browned beef with the veggie mix. Sprinkle taco seasoning generously, creating a zesty coating that’ll make taste buds dance. A splash of liquid helps blend everything into a mouthwatering medley.

• Cheesy Finale

Crown your creation with a blanket of melting cheese. Let it transform into a gooey, irresistible topping that brings the whole dish together. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips To Try With Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

• Meat Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the zesty taco flavor intact.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace traditional taco seasoning with homemade spice blend to control sodium and reduce processed ingredients, making this dish perfect for keto and low-carb eating plans.
• Veggie Power Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more substantial one-pan meal that's packed with vitamins.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or add fresh jalapeños for adventurous taste buds who love a fiery kick to their skillet dinner.
• Leftover Transformation: Turn remaining skillet contents into breakfast by topping with a fried egg, wrapping in a tortilla, or using as a filling for stuffed bell peppers the next day.

Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Serving Suggestions

• Fiesta Plate Perfection: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and green onions on top for a burst of color and zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Creamy Cool Companions: Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the spicy taco seasoning and add a smooth, tangy element.
• Quick Crunch Factor: Scatter crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips over the skillet for an extra textural contrast that makes each bite more exciting.
• Low-Carb Wrap Hack: Serve the skillet mixture wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious alternative to traditional taco presentations.

How To Store Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook extra ground beef mixture and store in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners within 3-4 days, saving precious time during busy weekdays.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Cool the skillet completely before transferring leftovers to sealed containers, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining optimal texture of cabbage and beef.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion remaining dish into individual meal-sized containers, allowing easy defrosting and reheating for up to 2 months without compromising flavor quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in skillet over medium heat, adding splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring delicious taste with each serving.

Hearty Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired ground beef taco cabbage skillet delivers a low-carb, flavor-packed meal that combines hearty protein with crisp vegetables. Families will savor this quick, nutritious dinner that brings zesty spices and wholesome ingredients together in one satisfying pan.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small head of cabbage (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g), shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 packet (or 2 tbsps) taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) water or beef broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed)
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly crumbling until achieving a rich, caramelized brown color. Drain excess grease to maintain a clean flavor profile.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until their fragrance intensifies, creating a robust flavor base that infuses the entire dish with depth and character.
3. Vegetable Integration: Add shredded cabbage and bell peppers to the skillet, stirring consistently to ensure even cooking. Allow vegetables to soften and release natural moisture while developing a tender-crisp texture that complements the meat.
4. Flavor Fusion: Reintroduce browned beef to the vegetable mixture, generously coating with taco seasoning. Introduce a measured liquid to enhance flavor complexity, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld harmoniously.
5. Final Flourish: Blanket the skillet with melting cheese, covering briefly to create a golden, luxurious topping. Garnish with fresh herbs or preferred toppings, then serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to minimize excess fat and prevent a greasy final dish, ensuring cleaner flavor and healthier preparation.
• Drain Excess Fat: Thoroughly remove beef grease after browning to maintain a light, non-oily texture and prevent unwanted heaviness in the skillet.
• Control Moisture Levels: Allow cabbage to release water gradually, stirring frequently to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain a slightly crisp, tender consistency.
• Season Strategically: Adjust taco seasoning intensity based on personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to balance flavors without overwhelming the dish’s natural ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg