Cheesy beef and cabbage skillet is a fast, ridiculously easy one-pan dinner: savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a zesty salsa kick under a blanket of melted cheese. Everything cooks in a single skillet in under 30 minutes. It's the low-carb, high-protein answer to hectic weeknights.
Craving a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to clean up? Look no further! This Cheesy Beef and Cabbage Skillet is my go-to for those hectic weeknights when I need a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a zesty salsa kick, all brought together with a glorious blanket of melted cheese. It’s comfort food that’s low-carb, high in protein, and a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g Ground beef
• ½ cup / 120ml Salsa, your favorite kind
• 2 cups / 200g (7.1 oz) Cabbage, shredded
• 2 tsp Chili powder
• ¾ cup / 85g (3 oz) Cheese, shredded (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat.
3. Stir in the salsa, shredded cabbage, and chili powder until everything is well combined.
4. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and gooey.
6. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition (per serving)
• Calories: 325
• Protein: 30g
• Fats: 21g (0.74 oz)
Pro Tips
• For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the chili powder or use a hot salsa.
• Sauté half a diced onion and a chopped bell pepper with the beef for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack for a spicy melt, or use a Mexican cheese blend.
• Serve this skillet over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, or with a dollop of sour cream and avocado.
FAQ
Q: Is this beef and cabbage skillet keto-friendly
A: Yes, this Cheesy Beef and Cabbage Skillet is low-carb and high in protein, making it a great option for a keto diet. Serve it as is or with cauliflower rice to keep the carb count low.
Q: How can I add more vegetables to this recipe
A: For extra flavor and nutrients, you can sauté half a diced onion and a chopped bell pepper along with the ground beef before adding the other ingredients.
Q: What can I do to make this skillet spicier
A: To add some heat, use a hot salsa, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the chili powder, or swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy melt.
Q: How long does this one-pan meal take to cook
A: This is a fast and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights. You can have this satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, then let it simmer covered with the cabbage for 10-12 minutes until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- Shred the cabbage fairly thin so it wilts into the skillet in the same time the beef needs to finish cooking.
- Stir the shredded cheese in after pulling the skillet off the heat — the residual heat melts it into a gooey blanket without scorching it onto the pan.
- For extra kick, use a hot salsa or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the chili powder; swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a spicier melt.
- Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge and reheat in the skillet with a fresh handful of cheese scattered over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cheesy beef and cabbage skillet keto-friendly?
Yes — each of the four servings has about 6g of carbohydrates, with 30g of protein and 21g of fat, and no tortillas, rice, or potatoes in sight.
What cheese works best in this skillet?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully here. For a spicy version, swap in Pepper Jack or a Mexican cheese blend — both keep the carb count equally low.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best cooked fresh since the cabbage keeps its texture, but leftovers store well for 3-4 days and reheat in one skillet with a little extra cheese melted over the top.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage?
Yes — pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix is a fine shortcut here. Just keep the pieces loose so they simmer evenly with the beef.
Recipe card below.
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Cheesy Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Directions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Once cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the salsa, shredded cabbage, and chili powder until everything is well combined.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it's melted and gooey.
- Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve immediately.
- Sauté half a diced onion and a chopped bell pepper with the beef for extra flavor and nutrients.
