Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a flavorful, family friendly one pot meal that is loaded with tender beef and juicy cabbage and it can be on your table in 30 minutes or less. This dish is naturally gluten free, low-carb and is sure to become a regular on your menu rotation!

Tex Mex cabbage beef skiillet in a cast iron pan

Why You’ll This Recipe

This ground beef and cabbage skillet has so many reasons to love it!

  • It’s quick and easy which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • And, it’s loaded with lean protein, fiber-filled veggies and healthy fats.
  • It’s full of seasonings which makes gives this one-pot dish a burst of savory flavors.
  • This is the perfect low carb and keto friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy.
  • You only need a few basic ingredients to help you make this delicious dish.

Equipment Needed

To make this simple skillet meal you only need a few kitchen tools. Grab these tools and get ready to enjoy this cheesy cabbage casserole! The whole family will love this easy dinner!

  • Dutch oven or large cast-iron skillet, which I love using and if you’re interested in learning more about cooking with cast iron check this post (ten reasons to try cast iron cookware). 
  • Wooden spoon or tongs for sautéing.
A half head of cabbage slice on a wooden cutting board.

Ingredients

Making this low-carb skillet only requires a few simple ingredients. The best part about this skillet is that all of these ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find at your local grocery store. You may even already have some of these ingredients on hand, which can save you a trip to the store.

  • ground beef
  • cabbage – I like to slice my own, but you could purchase a pre-cut bag of cabbage.
  • butter
  • taco seasoning
  • shredded cheese
  • minced onion
  • salt and pepper
Tex Mex cabbage beef skillet in a cream bowl with blue napkin

How to Make This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Are you ready to make this low carb meal? Just follow these simple instructions and you will have a hearty family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy days in no time at all.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Saute the cabbage

In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon of butter and saute cabbage on medium high heat until the cabbage softens. Remove from heat and place cabbage in a separate dish.

Sautéing cabbage in a cast iron skillet with tongs.

Step 3: Brown the ground beef

In the same skillet add the remaining tablespoon of butter and cook ground beef breaking up meat as it cooks. Add taco seasoning, onion and stir until meat is cooked. If the meat is dry add up to 1/4 cup of water.

Browning ground beef in a skillet.

Step 4: Add the cheese and cabbage to the skillet

Return cabbage to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Fold in 1/2 cup of cheese.

Mixing cabbage and cheese with ground beef in a cast iron skillet.

Step 5: Brown the top of the cheese

Top skillet with remaining cheese and place in the oven. Cook until cheese melts (10 minutes).

What To Serve With This Dish

This hearty meal is amazing on it’s own, however you could also serve with it healthy veggies such as Baked Zucchini Squash. I also enjoy ending a keto-friendly meal like this one, with a dessert such as these Keto Cheesecake Brownies.

Substitutions and Additions

This dish is so versatile, that you can make a few small modifications to customize it to your family’s tastes. No matter what you choose to add or subtract from this skillet meal, your family will love it!

  • You could add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.
  • You could also swap out ground beef for another type of ground meat such as ground turkey or italian sausage.
  • And if you need this meal to be vegetarian then swapping the ground beef for your favorite meatless product would work as well.
  • You could also try adding a different type of cheese, such as cheddar cheese or even Parmesan.
  • Add a hint of spice to this dish with a sprinkle of chili powder, diced jalapeños, diced green chili or your favorite hot sauce.
  • If you want to add a little more flavor to this dish, you can add in soy sauce, coconut aminos, minced cloves of garlic, green onions, sesame oil, italian seasoning, or a splash of hoisin sauce.
  • Add a can of beans (if you aren’t limiting your carbs)
  • Mix in some spicy tomatoes like Rotel
  • Top with sliced olives, a dollop of guacamole or avocado cream sauce
cabbage beef skillet recipe in a cast iron pan with two filled bowls

How To Store

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommending freezing this dish, and I doubt you will have leftovers to consider that option.

Reheating – Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute or until warm all the way through. Or you could also reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat until warm.

Sandra’s Pro Tips

Do you want to make sure that this recipe turns out perfectly every time that you make it? Here are a few tips that you can use.

  • If you to save a little time in the kitchen then you can use pre-shredded cabbage.
  • You could also cook the cabbage in bacon grease to increase the flavor. Or you could use a mixture of bacon grease and butter.
  • You don’t have to stick with one type of cheese, try adding in a variety for different flavors and textures.
  • If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, make sure that this skillet is oven-safe before you add it to the oven.
  • Give the cabbage and beef mixture a little taste to make sure that it suit your tastebuds before you add the remaining cheese and melt it.
Tex Mex cabbage beef skillet is a quick low carb 30 minute meal! #Skillet #LowCarb #Keto #Beef | www.thefoodieaffair.com

FAQs

Do you have questions about this easy meal? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this quick dinner recipe.

Do you season ground beef before or after it browns?

I recommend that you season the beef after you brown it. Seasoning before will dry the moisture out and give you a dry beef.

Can I use fresh onions instead of dried onions?

Yes, but I recommend that you saute the onions while you are browning the beef so that they cook through.

Can I freeze cooked cabbage?

Yes, you can freeze cooked cabbage. Place the cooled cabbage in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Other Delicious Recipes You May Enjoy

  • If you are looking for another healthy yet delicious skillet meal recipe, look no further than these Skillet Pork Chops. They turn out juicy, tender and flavorful every time that you make them.
  • Do you want to spice up your meal rotation? This Tex Mex shredded beef, yet filled with Southwest flavor!
  • Did you know that you can whip up delicious desserts in your skillets? Why only use them for savory foods when you can make some chocolatey goodness like this Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookie Skillet.

Give this low carb Mexican Beef Cabbage Soup a try too!

Low carb Mexican beef cabbage soup topped with avocado and crema for a delicious complete meal! #30minute #dinner #lowcarb #ketodiet #Mexican | www.thefoodieaffair.com

 

Ground beef and cabbage in a cast iron skillet topped with cheese.

Tex Mex Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Ground beef and cabbage with a Tex-Mex flair! This low carb stovetop to oven recipe is simple to make and completely customize-able. Want more heat, add some jalapenos or diced chilies.
4.60 from 96 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Beef and Cabbage, low carb beef and cabbage, Tex Mex skillet recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 388kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head green cabbage sliced in shreds
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • 1 1/2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon of butter and saute cabbage on medium high heat until the cabbage softens. Remove from heat and place cabbage in a separate dish.
  • In the same skillet add the remaining tablespoon of butter and cook ground beef breaking up meat as it cooks. Add taco seasoning, onion and stir until meat is cooked. If the meat is dry add up to 1/4 cup of water.
  • Return cabbage to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Fold in 1/2 cup of cheese.
  • Top skillet with remaining cheese and place in the oven. Cook until cheese melts (10 minutes).

Video

Notes

You can use a pre-sliced package of coleslalw if you perefer. I find that the cabbage is too thin and gets mushy quick, so watch the cooking time closely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 388kcal

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

Hugs Sandra Signature

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89 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    This tastes so much better than it sounds and is one of our staple recipes! I cook the cabbage a bit first (around 15 minutes) before I cook the rest. I add peppers and sometimes beans. Great recipe!!

  2. This recipe has quickly come a favorite in our dinner rotation. I see the calories listed but is there additional nutrition information I can use to track for Keto?

  3. My Husband is diabetic and this will be a great recipe for us to to watch carbs on. Looks so good!!! Thank you for the idea.

  4. I made this last night using a cabbage my hubby grew in his garden. We loved it. So easy and quick. Tonight I used the leftover cabbage the same way it’s used in this recipe – sautéed it with the butter and salt and pepper for 3-4 minutes – delicious.

  5. I loved it. I always used bagged finely shredded cabbage (I’m lazy). I added carrots because I needed to use the ones that I had. I topped it with sour cream , salsa and olives, because, why not go all the way . Also its 112 outside, so I just put the lid on for awhile until the cheese melted, no need to use a oven.
    Thanks so much!

  6. Made this last week for my picky husband who is eating low carb. We both loved it! I used pre packaged already shredded cabbage to make the prep easy and I used diced onions instead and we topped it with sour cream. It was very filling and I didn’t even miss carbs with the meal. Will be making this again for sure!

  7. I love this and pretty much make it at least once a month. I absolutely make the taco seasoning recipe that’s included in the recipe. To me it makes a big, positive difference in the taste. Easy and so delicious.

  8. I made this tonight and it was delicious. My husband ate three servings. Thank you for a dish that is Keto friendly and good for those spouses that are not on the path with me. I definitely will be making this again.

  9. My family loved this recipe! I added rotel tomatoes to my dish, and look forward to adding other favorites ingredients each time I make it. Thank you for sharing this with us!

  10. Such a quick and easy dish to cook! It was delicious and Will become a staple meal in my household. Dinner in less than 30 minutes, yes please!

  11. I think this is dinner tonight! I’m going to mix it up though and add black beans in with the meat and black olives and tomatoes on top when done. ?

  12. I made this for dinner tonight and it was a huge success!! My family loves their food spicy so I added 2 fresh seeded jalapenos and hot sauce. It was amazing!

  13. 1st time I followed the recipe, it was OK. 2nd time I added 1 tsp Cumin and 1/4 lb Pork Chorizo. It was much better! I’ll make it again!

  14. So I made this today for lunch and it was amazing I cooked the meat first and just used the oil from that to cook the cabbage second because I didn’t read the directions correctly and it was amazing. Eating it my I brainstormed everything else I could do with this as base, I can’t wait to try more of your recipes.

  15. I’ve made this several times and we don’t get tired of it!! What are your thoughts on doubling it? Cook it up in a big pot and put in a casserole dish? I know it’s more dishes for me, but I always wish we had more leftovers!

  16. I used half beef and half ground Italian sausage topped with salsa and sour cream. I also added some chopped garlic to the meat. I just started a Keto diet and this was delish can’t wait to make it again.

  17. Made this tonight. I hate hamburger and only tolerate cabbage but this was pretty good. Hubby loved it. Leftovers tomorrow he is putting on taco shells. I’m eating it plain but adding sour cream.

  18. Got this recipe from Vicky. Trying it tonight. We serve meals to a group member v children and wanted to check it out first. Put in a can of Rotel tomatoes and will give it a dollop of sour cream.

  19. I made this tonight, adding a can of Rotel tomatoes, and then served it with a dollop of sour cream, OMG seriously yummy! Thank you for posting this recipe!

  20. Just made this again for the second time. Since the garden is in full swing added freash zucchini. It was again delightful. BIG THANKS

  21. I’m making this tonight. I have the cabbage & meat prepped. Just waiting for the family to be ready to eat, then I will stir it all together & pop it in the oven. It smells awesome! I added chili peppers & fresh jalapenos to mine!

  22. Better way to soften the cabbage is to put 1/4-1/2 up water in the pan. Then the cabbage. Cover tightly and steam on medium 5-10 minutes. Stir. Cover tightly again and steam another 5-10 minutes. Yummy recipe. Used raw onions and whole packet of Taco Seasoning Mix.

  23. This is the 2nd time I’m making this…the first time with chicken and now with mince (ground beef)! it’s so delicious! Thanks for a great recipe.

  24. Thank you for the recipe! Would you by chance have the nutritional breakdown/serving size? Very yummy recipe!

  25. I made this tonight. It was delicious! I used a full package of taco seasoning and a can of Rotel. My only complaint, no leftovers for tomorrow ?

    1. Oh good, I was wondering if a can Rotel would up this a bit. Thanks for sharing. Did you drain the Rotel, or just dump it all in?

  26. I made this but added a can of petite diced tomatoes right after blending in the taco seasoning – it was delicious !

  27. I love beef and noodle skillets and ate them all the time growing up. They were a staple that I could make myself. Now that I need to cut out some carbs I love the idea of using cabbage as a replacement.

  28. This looks SO good! I’m a total fan of cabbage and try to eat it every week. It’s so healthy and good for you! And no kidding about the skillets! I have several. Try moving a stack to get to the one on the bottom!

  29. I love good cabbage recipes! When I buy one it’s a lot to use for John and I and I’d love to repurpose some of it as more than just a side dish.

  30. This looks super yummy! A great fusion of Irish and Mexican. I also like to use dried onions instead of taking the time to chop fresh ones sometimes. I mean, some days I just don’t have that kind of work in me! Thanks again for the yummy recipe!

  31. That skillet looks just delicious and your bonus? Hahaha! Love that too!! Seriously though I’m sure cooking it in the cast iron skillet makes the perfect vessel to bring this all together – what a yummy recipe!!