Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy and delicious skillet meal will be a new favorite in your home! Cabbage bowls are a quick and tasty take on a classic cabbage roll and make dinner a breeze.
Whether I’m making this recipe or sweet potato cottage pie, skillet meals are my favorite! I love being able to cook an entire dish in one skillet and then put it right on the table to serve.
Full of meat and vegetables, cabbage bowls are one of the best skillet meals. It’s so healthy and quick, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My whole family loves it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy recipe – This is one of the best recipes to make when you’re in a hurry. It comes together so quickly!
Hearty dinner – The ground beef and cabbage is smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce that everyone will love.
All-in-one meal – With lots of meat and vegetables, this is a one-dish meal!
Skillet recipe – This dish is made in one skillet which means fewer dishes.
Quick version of cabbage rolls – If you love cabbage rolls but don’t have time to make them, this is the perfect simple alternative!
Cheap meal – Ground beef is the cheapest cut of beef available and cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables, making this a wonderful budget meal.
How to Store Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat on the stove on low to medium heat.
Can I Freeze?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers or make it in advance as a freezer meal. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may be slightly mushier when thawed.
To freeze, let cool completely and place in an airtight container. You can store it in the freezer for 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove on low to medium heat.
Tips for Success
Don’t drain the fat – Most versions of this recipe say to drain the fat, but we don’t want to remove all that delicious flavor. Besides, quality beef fat isn’t the enemy it used to be considered.
Use broth – While you could use water to provide the liquid needed for this recipe, broth is far superior when it comes to flavor and nutrition. My favorite is homemade bone broth!
Let it simmer – It’s delicious served right away, but if it’s done early enough for you to let it simmer on the stove for a few minutes, it’ll only make the flavors richer and more complex.
Tools You May Need
Large stainless steel skillet with lid
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Ingredients
Ground beef – If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or pork instead.
Cabbage head – You can substitute a bag of coleslaw blend instead.
Onion – Adds more flavor to the meat.
Canned diced tomatoes – For additional flavor and more vegetables in the dish.
Bone broth – You can substitute regular beef broth if you need to.
Tomato paste – Adds a little more rich tomato flavor.
Garlic cloves – Everything’s better with garlic!
Spices – Choose quality spices without additives or fillers.
Salt – Sea salt or Himalayan
Step-By-Step Instructions
First, chop the onion and shred the cabbage.
Then, place the meat and onion in a large skillet and brown the meat over medium heat.
Once the meat is done, crush the garlic and add it to the skillet. Let it cook for about a minute.
Then add the diced tomatoes, bone broth, tomato paste, spices, and salt, and stir to combine.
Next place the shredded cabbage on top (don’t stir) and put the lid on the skillet. Cook until the cabbage begins to wilt, approximately 8 minutes.
Once the cabbage is cooked, remove the lid and stir the cabbage into the rest of the mixture.
You can serve it immediately or turn the stove down to low heat and simmer until you’re ready to eat.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
More Clean Eating Ground Beef Recipes
Cabbage Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium cabbage head
- 1 onion
- 2 14.5 cans of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups bone broth
- 1 6 ounce can of tomato paste
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Chop the onion and shred the cabbage.
- In a large skillet, brown the meat and onion over medium heat.
- Once the meat is done, crush the garlic and add it to the skillet. Let it cook for about a minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, bone broth, tomato paste, paprika, pepper, and salt, and stir to combine.
- Place the shredded cabbage on top (don't stir) and put the lid on the skillet. Cook until the cabbage begins to wilt, approximately 8 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir the cabbage into the rest of the mixture.
- Serve immediately or turn the stove down to low heat and simmer until you're ready to eat.
Notes
- Ground beef – substitute ground turkey or pork
- Cabbage head – substitute bag of coleslaw mix
- Bone broth – substitute regular beef broth
Nutrition
If you love cabbage bowls, please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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This has been one of my family’s favorite meals for years! I love that it’s so easy and includes a meat and veggies.