Ingredients for Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 preferred): The star protein, providing hearty substance and rich flavor. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for optimal taste and texture.
• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced: Adds essential crisp texture and a mild, earthy sweetness. Shred thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides the cooking medium for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: A foundational aromatic, building a sweet and savory base. Chop finely for even distribution of flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with pungent, savory depth, a crucial flavor builder. Mince fresh for the best aromatic punch.
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium): Forms the savory liquid foundation, infusing every bite with deep beefy flavor. Use low-sodium to control overall seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds concentrated umami and a subtle tangy sweetness, enriching the sauce. Sauté briefly to deepen its flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides complex savory notes and a touch of tang, enhancing the beef’s flavor. A secret weapon for depth!
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Cuts through richness with bright acidity, balancing the dish’s savory elements. Don’t skip this for a zing.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick and helps emulsify the sauce, contributing to a smooth texture. A little goes a long way.
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste: An essential seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to taste throughout cooking for perfect balance.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Provides a warm, sharp counterpoint to the savory components. Freshly grind for maximum aroma.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a wonderful smoky depth and warm color, elevating the comfort factor of this one-pan beef cabbage. Don’t confuse with sweet paprika.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh herbaceous note and a pop of color. Stir in just before serving.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional): Offers a cool, creamy tang that beautifully complements the rich beef and cabbage. A delightful finishing touch.

How to Make Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage

Brown Beef:

In a large skillet, brown ground beef in olive oil over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Add chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Aromatics:

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. This creates a rich flavor base for your delicious Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the thinly sliced cabbage, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined.

Simmer Dish:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

Finish & Season:

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Ensure the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness for this comforting Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage hot, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.

How to Store Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage

To store leftover Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long can lead to spoilage – don’t do what I did and forget it on the counter overnight! Discard if you notice any off smells or mold. You can prep chopped onion and sliced cabbage a day in advance and store them separately.

For the freshest taste, cook the entire dish just before serving. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent dryness and keep it moist.

What to Serve with Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage

This Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage is a meal in itself! To serve, simply spoon it hot from the skillet into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Enjoy it warm for ultimate comfort.

My favorite way to serve this is with a generous dollop of cool sour cream and a slice of warm, crusty bread. The creamy tang perfectly balances the savory flavors, and the bread soaks up every delicious drop. Pure comfort!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. It will lighten the dish, but might lack some richness. Remember to add a bit more olive oil if using very lean turkey to prevent it from sticking.

→ How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy in this Effortless One-Pan Beef Cabbage?

Don’t overcook the cabbage; this was a common mistake for me! Add it later in the cooking process and check often for tenderness, aiming for crisp-tender. Using fresh, crisp green cabbage also helps immensely.

→ Can I freeze leftover Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage for later meals?

Yes, you can freeze it! Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness.

→ Can I make this comforting beef and cabbage recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. Enjoy this comforting dish without worry.

→ How do I adjust this comforting one-pan skillet recipe for fewer servings?

To halve the recipe, simply divide all ingredient quantities by two. The cook time will remain similar, but keep an eye on the cabbage to prevent overcooking. It works great for smaller households!