Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet

Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet makes dinner almost effortless yet completely satisfying. I love how this dish comes together in a single pan with minimal prep but delivers savory cheesy comfort, plus a little kick from chilis and Worcestershire. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd pleaser that does not skimp on flavor.

The first time I cooked this skillet dinner I was shocked by how quickly everyone went for seconds. Now it is our go-to anytime we need something hearty and foolproof.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose lean beef for less grease and a better sear on the meat
• Onion (chopped): Sweet or yellow onions add depth to the sauce Choose firm heavy onions for freshness
• Green bell pepper: Adds a mild earthy taste and color Go for peppers with shiny tight skins
• Minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish its backbone Look for plump unshriveled cloves
• Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami and tang For best quality pick a trusted brand
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Amplify the savoriness and bind flavors Pick blends with no fillers
• Black pepper: Provides the right amount of heat and warmth Find peppercorns and grind fresh if possible
• Diced tomatoes: Canned or fresh tomatoes build the base Use fire roasted canned tomatoes for extra flavor
• Green chilis: Offer a subtle spice and extra moisture Canned mild or medium work well
• Cabbage: Chopped or shredded it cooks down to sweet tenderness Use firm tight heads for crunch and freshness
• Beef broth: Deepens the taste and gives the sauce body Choose a low sodium or homemade version if you can
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey cheesy glory Use sharp cheddar for tang and pre shred for convenience
• Salt to taste: Adjusts flavor and helps balance all the ingredients

Instructions

Prepare and brown:

Cook the ground beef onions and green bell peppers in a large skillet over medium high heat Stir often and allow the beef to brown thoroughly while the onions and peppers soften and get golden for about ten minutes This step builds the base flavor and ensures a tender result

Sauté garlic:

Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about thirty seconds until fragrant Be careful not to burn it Drain off any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish light

Season and flavor:

Pour in the Worcestershire sauce along with garlic powder onion powder black pepper and salt Use a gentle hand now and taste at the end Seasoning at this stage soaks into the meat and veggies

Simmer with liquid:

Pour in the beef broth followed by diced tomatoes and green chilis Stir well to incorporate and deglaze the skillet with these liquids This gathers up all the savory bits stuck to the bottom for a deep savory flavor

Steam cabbage:

Layer the chopped cabbage over everything in the pan Gently press it down Cover with a tight lid and reduce heat to medium Let it cook undisturbed for about twenty minutes The cabbage will steam get sweet and release moisture making everything saucy

Cheese finish:

Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the hot skillet Stir gently to combine letting the cheese melt smoothly throughout This is where everything turns beautifully creamy

Ready to eat:

Serve straight from the skillet while it is bubbling and cheesy Top with extra pepper if you like

My favorite ingredient in this skillet is definitely the cabbage It turns silky and sweet when cooked this way and really absorbs all the beefy flavors. I remember making this for my family after a long day and everyone was surprised by how delicious such simple ingredients could taste.

Storage Tips

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth. The flavors get even better on day two so sometimes I make extra just for planned leftovers.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for turkey or ground sausage if you want a lighter or zestier version. If cheddar is not your favorite try mozzarella or Monterey jack. You can even mix in half red cabbage for a burst of color and variety.

Serving Suggestions

Make it a meal by serving with a piece of crusty bread or over a bowl of fluffy rice. For extra nutrition add steamed green beans or a crisp side salad. You can scoop it straight from the skillet for easy weeknight serving.

Cultural and Historical Context

Skillet dishes are classics in many home kitchens because they stretch basic ingredients to feed a crowd quickly. Cabbage and ground beef both have old fashioned roots as staples in hearty homestyle meals. Combining them with cheese is a modern twist that brings satisfaction and nostalgia to the table.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add fresh sweet corn in summer for brightness Swap in winter greens like kale when cabbage is unavailable Mix in sautéed mushrooms or squash for autumn coziness

This skillet is always a hit and can be adapted in countless ways to fit your family’s taste. Enjoy a comfort meal that is both easy and full of flavor!

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute another meat for beef?

Yes, you can use ground sausage or turkey for a different flavor profile.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar melts well, but you can try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots, or red cabbage pair well with the base ingredients.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores and reheats easily, making it a great choice for batch cooking.

→ How do I avoid soggy cabbage?

Cook with the lid off for the final minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.