10 Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipes Quick Weeknight Meals

Look, I’ll be honest with you – cabbage used to be that sad, forgotten vegetable sitting in my fridge until it basically turned into science experiment material.

But then I discovered how ridiculously good it tastes when you pair it with ground beef, and suddenly my meal prep game changed forever.

These two ingredients are like that perfect couple you know – they just make each other better.

Whether you’re trying to cut carbs, feed a hungry family on a budget, or just want something that tastes amazing without spending three hours in the kitchen, these recipes have got your back.

Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be looking at cabbage like it’s your new best friend.

1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

This recipe is basically what happens when comfort food meets convenience. The garlic butter situation here is absolutely divine, and cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works perfectly)
• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment:

• Large skillet or cast iron pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat
2. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes)
3. Add diced onion and cook until softened
4. Toss in the chopped cabbage – don’t worry, it looks like a lot but it’ll shrink
5. Add minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper
6. Cook until cabbage is tender, about 8-10 minutes
7. Stir in butter and let it melt through everything

Notes:

The key here is not overcooking the cabbage – you want it tender but still with a little bite. Also, if your skillet seems crowded, cook the cabbage in batches. Nobody likes soggy vegetables!

2. Keto Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Bowl

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Perfect for when you’re doing the keto thing but still want something that actually tastes good. This hits all the right notes without any of the carb guilt.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for strict keto)
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment:

• Wok or large skillet
• Grater for ginger
• Sharp knife

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in wok over high heat
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned
3. Push beef to one side, add bell pepper and ginger
4. Add shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes
5. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil
6. Toss everything together and cook another 2 minutes
7. Top with green onions and red pepper flakes

Notes:

High heat is your friend here – you want that nice sear on everything. Don’t let the cabbage get mushy; it should still have some crunch when you’re done.

3. Asian-Style Ground Beef Cabbage Lettuce Wraps

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

These are basically deconstructed egg rolls, and honestly? Way better than the original. Plus, you can eat them with your hands without judgment.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 head butter lettuce for wrapping
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Cilantro for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Mandoline or julienne peeler (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat
2. Brown ground beef thoroughly
3. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds
4. Add chopped cabbage and carrots
5. Stir in hoisin sauce and rice vinegar
6. Cook until cabbage is just tender, about 5 minutes
7. Serve in lettuce cups with cilantro

Notes:

The lettuce leaves work best when they’re chilled and crispy. Wash them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Also, finely chopping the cabbage is crucial – nobody wants massive cabbage chunks in their wraps.

Also Read: 10 Delicious High Protein Ground Beef Recipes for Fat Loss

4. Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole Bake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

This is comfort food at its finest. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form, and the cheese situation is absolutely ridiculous (in the best way).

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 large head cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Equipment:

• 9×13 baking dish
• Large skillet
• Oven

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Brown ground beef with onion in skillet
3. Steam cabbage until just tender, then drain well
4. Mix beef, cabbage, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and seasonings
5. Transfer to baking dish
6. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs if using
7. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden

Notes:

Make sure to drain that cabbage really well – excess moisture is the enemy of a good casserole. Trust me on this one; I’ve made soggy casseroles before, and it’s not pretty 🙂

5. Spicy Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes

When you want something with a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds. This one brings the heat without being overwhelming – perfect for when regular dinner feels too boring.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• Fresh cilantro

Equipment:

• Large skillet with lid
• Can opener
• Sharp knife

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add bell pepper and jalapeño, cook 3 minutes
3. Add cabbage, diced tomatoes, and all spices
4. Cover and simmer 10 minutes
5. Stir in black beans, cook 3 more minutes
6. Top with cheese and cilantro before serving

Notes:

If you’re not great with spice, start with less cayenne – you can always add more, but you can’t take it back! Also, the black beans add great texture and protein, but feel free to skip them if you’re going low-carb.

6. Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Comfort Bowl

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nothing says comfort like a good soup, especially when it’s loaded with hearty ingredients that actually fill you up. This is soup that eats like a meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Ladle
• Sharp knife

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in pot, drain excess fat
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cook until softened
3. Add garlic, cook 1 minute
4. Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings
5. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes
6. Add chopped cabbage, cook until tender (8-10 minutes)
7. Remove bay leaves before serving

Notes:

This soup actually gets better the next day – the flavors have time to meld together. Make a big batch and freeze portions for those days when you just can’t deal with cooking.

Also Read: 10 Amazing Ground Beef Keto Recipes for Easy Dinners

7. Low-Carb Ground Beef Cabbage Egg Roll Bowl

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

All the flavors of your favorite egg roll without the wrapper or the deep frying. Honestly, this might be better than the original – don’t @ me!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 bag coleslaw mix (or 4 cups shredded cabbage)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet or wok
• Serving bowls

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned
3. Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds
4. Add coleslaw mix and toss to combine
5. Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha
6. Cook until cabbage is just tender, 3-4 minutes
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

Notes:

The key to this recipe is not overcooking the cabbage – you want it to retain some crunch. Also, if you like it extra saucy, double the sauce ingredients. Life’s too short for dry food!

8. Mediterranean Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

This one transports you straight to the Mediterranean with all those gorgeous flavors. It’s like taking a vacation for your taste buds without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp rosemary
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Sharp knife

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat
2. Brown ground beef with onion
3. Add garlic, oregano, and rosemary, cook 1 minute
4. Add chopped cabbage and cook until tender
5. Stir in olives and sun-dried tomatoes
6. Cook 3 more minutes to heat through
7. Top with feta and fresh parsley

Notes:

The sun-dried tomatoes add such an amazing depth of flavor – don’t skip them! If you can only find the oil-packed ones, just drain them well first.

9. Ground Beef and Cabbage Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Classic stuffed peppers get a makeover with this ground beef and cabbage combo. They look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut and seeds removed
• 2 cups cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional for low-carb)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment:

• Baking dish
• Sharp knife
• Large skillet

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Brown ground beef and onion in skillet
3. Add chopped cabbage and cook until tender
4. Stir in half the tomato sauce, rice (if using), and seasonings
5. Stuff peppers with mixture, place in baking dish
6. Pour remaining tomato sauce around peppers
7. Cover and bake 35 minutes, top with cheese, bake 5 more minutes

Notes:

If your peppers won’t stand up straight, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface. Also, covering them while baking keeps them from drying out.

Also Read: 10 Quick Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipes for Low-Carb Bliss

10. Creamy Ground Beef and Cabbage Alfredo Skillet

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes

This is what happens when comfort food meets indulgence. The creamy alfredo sauce makes everything taste like a fancy restaurant dish, but it’s ridiculously easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Grater

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in skillet, remove and set aside
2. Add butter and sauté onion until soft
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds
4. Add chopped cabbage and cook until tender
5. Pour in cream and bring to gentle simmer
6. Whisk in parmesan cheese and nutmeg
7. Return beef to skillet, toss to coat
8. Garnish with parsley

Notes:

Don’t let the cream boil hard or it might curdle – keep it at a gentle simmer. FYI, freshly grated parmesan melts so much better than the pre-grated stuff, but I won’t judge if you use the convenient version!

Why These Recipes Work So Well

Ever wondered why ground beef and cabbage make such a perfect pair? It’s all about balance – the rich, savory beef complements the mild, slightly sweet cabbage perfectly. Plus, cabbage is incredibly versatile and absorbs flavors like a champ, making it the ideal vehicle for all kinds of seasonings and sauces.

From a practical standpoint, both ingredients are budget-friendly and widely available. You can probably find everything you need for these recipes at any grocery store, and most of the pantry staples are things you likely already have on hand.

The best part? These recipes are incredibly forgiving. Ground beef is hard to mess up, and cabbage is pretty resilient too. Even if you overcook things slightly or adjust seasonings to your taste, you’ll still end up with something delicious.

These combinations also work brilliantly for meal prep – most of these dishes actually taste better the next day, and they reheat like champions. Whether you’re feeding a family, trying to eat healthier, or just looking for something different, these recipes deliver on all fronts.

The variety here means you’ll never get bored – from Asian-inspired flavors to Mediterranean vibes, there’s something for every mood and craving. Trust me, once you start making these regularly, you’ll wonder why you ever thought cabbage was boring in the first place!