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Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

Featured in: Center of the plate recipes

This simple one-pan dish combines lean ground beef with shredded cabbage, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Quick cooking in a skillet melds savory flavors, while melted cheese provides extra richness. Crisp-tender cabbage offers delightful texture and balances the heartiness of the beef. Ideal for busy evenings or low-carb lifestyles, each bite delivers a comforting taste with a hint of taco spice. Enjoy a no-fuss, wholesome meal ready in less than thirty minutes, bringing together fresh ingredients and classic skillet convenience.

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Updated on Sat, 12 Jul 2025 14:30:53 GMT
A delicious Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is served on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is served on a white plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This hearty Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is what I pull together when I want a comforting dinner that does not take much planning. Rich taco beef and melty cheddar hug tender bits of cabbage in one pan and I love how it channels all my favorite taco flavors without tortillas. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying like something special.

I first made this dish on a night when groceries were sparse and tacos were calling. My kids ended up scraping the skillet clean and asking for it again the next week.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: Makes the base rich and satisfying Choose beef with less fat for the best texture
  • Green cabbage: Adds a fresh crunch and soaks up all that seasoning Use tightly packed bright green heads free of brown spots
  • Low carb taco seasoning: Brings all the classic flavor Opt for a blend without added sugar to keep it healthy
  • Dry minced onion: Adds deep savory notes Look for onions that are pale golden and completely dry to touch
  • Water: Helps soften the cabbage and blends seasoning Even filtered tap works fine
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over everything for gooey goodness Buy a block and shred it yourself for smoothest melting

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium high heat Add the ground beef using a sturdy spoon to break it up as it browns Stir frequently every couple of minutes and cook until there is no pink left and the beef is crumbly Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy
Combine and Cook the Veggies:
Sprinkle the dry minced onion and taco seasoning evenly over the beef Add all the chopped cabbage and pour in the water Stir everything together so the cabbage starts to wilt and all flavors mix Lower the heat to medium and cook uncovered for eight to twelve minutes stirring gently every two or three minutes until the cabbage is crisp tender It should have softened but still have a little bite for best texture
Melt the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all across the top of the cooked mixture Place a tight fitting lid on the skillet Reduce the heat to low and leave it undisturbed for five to ten minutes until all cheese is melted and bubbling Check the center before removing from heat for maximum melt
Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and scoop big spoonfuls onto plates Serve immediately while the beef is hot and cheese is perfectly gooey
A white plate with a pile of meat and vegetables, including lettuce and tomatoes, on top. The dish is described as a "Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Casserole. Pin it
A white plate with a pile of meat and vegetables, including lettuce and tomatoes, on top. The dish is described as a "Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Casserole. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This recipe made me fall in love with cabbage even more It soaks up taco essence while keeping the meal light and fresh Reminds me of my childhood because my grandma always snuck cabbage into big skillet dinners and now it is my go to way to eat more veggies

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days The cheese firms up once cold so I recommend reheating on the stove over low heat with a splash of water to bring back its creamy texture Freezing works too but the cabbage softens a lot after thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the beef for a lighter dish Monterey Jack works in place of cheddar or even a dairy free cheese blend Keep in mind if using bagged coleslaw mix give a quick chop so the shreds are not too long and tangled

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is delicious all on its own but I sometimes top it with avocado slices or diced tomato A spoonful of salsa or a dollop of sour cream takes it from weeknight dinner to fiesta You could also fill lettuce cups or spoon it into low carb wraps if you want to keep the handheld taco experience

Cultural Inspiration

Taco skillets are a clever blend of convenience and classic Mexican flavors swapping tortillas for veggies Popular in low carb circles and busy families alike this dish proves you do not need a lot of steps to still enjoy familiar comfort foods in new ways

A plate of beef and vegetable stir fry, including lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, is served on a dining table. Pin it
A plate of beef and vegetable stir fry, including lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, is served on a dining table. | myhomemaderecipe.com

You will love how easy this dinner is to throw together Try it tonight and see why it disappears fast every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives to ground beef in this skillet dish.

→ How do I prevent the cabbage from overcooking?

Add cabbage last and cook only until it turns crisp-tender to maintain its texture.

→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently to preserve flavors and texture.

→ Are there topping suggestions for serving?

Try fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or sour cream for added freshness and richness when serving.

→ Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely, the combination of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese makes it ideal for low-carb or keto plans.

Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

Seasoned ground beef, cabbage, taco spices, and cheddar meld together for a quick, hearty skillet dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Yield: 4 Servings (1 skillet (serves 4))

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 g lean ground beef
02 5 cups (approximately 350 g) green cabbage, shredded or chopped
03 60 ml low carb taco seasoning
04 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
05 60 ml water
06 150 g cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Stir in cabbage, taco seasoning, dried minced onion, and water. Continue cooking and stir regularly until cabbage is crisp-tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 03

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar over the cabbage and beef mixture. Cover skillet with a lid and cook 5–10 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 04

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a lighter dish, replace half the cheddar with reduced-fat cheese without compromising creaminess.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Heat-resistant spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 31 g