Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet
This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is a quick, hearty, one-pan meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s naturally low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 5 cups green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- ÂĽ cup low-carb taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- ÂĽ cup water
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using very lean beef)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 diced bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ÂĽ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Season
Stir in:
- Taco seasoning
- Dried minced onion
- Water
Mix well until the beef is evenly coated.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage.
Stir everything together until the cabbage is coated with the seasoned beef.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the skillet.
Cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
Step 5: Serve
Top with your favourite garnishes and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Shred the cabbage into thin strips for faster cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the smoothest melt.
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain a slight crunch.
- Taste before adding extra salt, as taco seasoning and cheese are already salty.
- Add diced tomatoes or salsa for extra moisture and flavour.
Delicious Variations
Tex-Mex Style
Add:
- Black olives
- Diced tomatoes
- Corn (if not following a low-carb diet)
Spicy Version
Mix in:
- Jalapeños
- Chipotle powder
- Hot sauce
- Pepper Jack cheese
Extra Veggies
Include:
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower rice
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
Mexican Fiesta
Serve with:
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Salsa
- Fresh cilantro
What to Serve With
- Cauliflower rice
- Mexican cauliflower rice
- Side salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Low-carb tortillas
- Tortilla chips (if not following a low-carb diet)
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings.
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Dietary Fibre: 3 g
- Net Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 760 mg*
- Potassium: 620 mg
- Calcium: 300 mg
- Iron: 3.5 mg
- Vitamin C: 55% DV
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
The sodium content will vary depending on the taco seasoning and cheese used.
Nut Information 🥜
This recipe is naturally nut-free.
However, check the labels on:
- Taco seasoning
- Pre-shredded cheese
Some packaged products may be manufactured in facilities that also process:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
For anyone with a severe nut allergy, choose products labelled nut-free or made in a dedicated nut-free facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives. You may want to add a teaspoon of olive oil for extra moisture.
Q: Can I use red or Savoy cabbage?
A: Absolutely. Green cabbage is the most traditional, but red cabbage or Savoy cabbage also work well, though red cabbage will slightly alter the colour of the dish.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates. Just ensure your taco seasoning contains no added sugar or starch.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the beef and cabbage mixture up to two days in advance, then reheat and add the cheese just before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Omit the cheddar cheese or use your favourite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
Q: Why is my cabbage watery?
A: Cabbage naturally releases moisture as it cooks. Cooking over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan helps excess liquid evaporate.
Q: Can I add beans or rice?
A: Certainly. Black beans, pinto beans, cooked rice, or cauliflower rice can be added depending on your dietary preference.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavour, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are also delicious choices.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Freeze portions for up to three months. Keep in mind the cabbage will soften slightly after thawing, but the flavour remains excellent.
Q: How can I make it even more filling?
A: Serve it with cauliflower rice, a fresh avocado salad, or wrap it in low-carb tortillas for satisfying taco-style wraps.
