Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the ground beef taco cabbage skillet! This dish is a total game-changer—it’s simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. Seriously, you can whip it up in about 30 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty meal that your whole family will love. The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and zesty taco seasoning creates a delicious harmony that makes my taste buds dance! Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. My kids devour this dish every time, and I love that I can sneak in some veggies too! Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 4 cups chopped cabbage (chopped finely for quicker cooking)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white works best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is key for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, with juices included)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always adjust to your preference)
How to Prepare the Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This ground beef taco cabbage skillet is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your favorite large skillet and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the aroma is just heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add the 1 lb of ground beef. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left—nobody wants raw beef in their skillet!
- Next, stir in the 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and the 1 cup of diced tomatoes (juices and all!). Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, letting those flavors mingle.
- Now for the star of the show! Add in the 4 cups of chopped cabbage. It might seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down beautifully. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
- Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voilà! It’s ready to serve warm.
Trust me, this skillet meal comes together so easily, and the flavors are out of this world! You’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay for that!
- Packed with flavor from savory beef and zesty taco seasoning.
- Healthy option with plenty of veggies—guilt-free indulgence!
- Customizable: add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, or avocado.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family.
Tips for Success
Here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure your ground beef taco cabbage skillet turns out perfectly every time! First, when it comes to ground beef, I prefer using lean beef—it keeps things lighter without sacrificing flavor. If you want a little extra richness, though, you can use regular ground beef; just remember to drain some of the fat after browning it.
Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust the taco seasoning according to your spice preferences. If you like a kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. For toppings, I highly recommend shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—it really elevates the dish! And if you have some leftover, this skillet meal is just as delicious the next day.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious ground beef taco cabbage skillet! Each serving is estimated to have about 300 calories, with 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. It also packs 4g of fiber, making it a satisfying meal. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option like lentils or crumbled tofu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for leaner meats.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own taco seasoning using spices you probably already have. Just mix together some chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. It’ll give you that zesty flavor you’re looking for!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly with the cabbage.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. It tastes great the next day!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this ground beef taco cabbage skillet is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any taco seasoning you use is labeled gluten-free if you’re sensitive to it.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your ground beef taco cabbage skillet, the options are endless! I love pairing it with warm, soft tortillas—just scoop it up and enjoy every bite! If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. The flavors meld beautifully, and it stretches the meal a bit further.
For a fresh twist, a simple side salad with crisp greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement. It adds that crunchy texture and bright flavor that balances the savory skillet dish. Oh, and don’t forget to set out some toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh salsa to let everyone customize their plates. Trust me, these additions make for a deliciously satisfying meal experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover ground beef taco cabbage skillet is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again soon!
When you’re ready to dive back into this tasty dish, reheating is a breeze. You can simply microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
If you prefer using the stovetop, just place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until it’s heated to your liking. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time!
Print
Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious skillet meal featuring ground beef, cabbage, and flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes.
- Add chopped cabbage, cook until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with toppings like cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef taco cabbage skillet
