Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

This hearty Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is what I make when I want a comforting dinner that comes together fast with little fuss. Lean beef, tangy cheddar, and crisp cabbage all come together in just one pan for a meal that feels both familiar and fresh. It is the easiest way to get all your favorite taco flavors but keep it simple and low carb—and everyone always goes back for seconds.

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

Step-by-Step 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

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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 If you freeze it just know the cabbage gets softer once thawed but it still tastes great for meal prep

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the beef for a lighter dish Monterey Jack is great in place of cheddar or even a dairy free cheese blend works Just be sure if using a bagged coleslaw mix chop it up a bit so the cabbage shreds are not too long

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Serving Suggestions

I love this skillet just piled in a bowl but sometimes top with avocado slices or diced tomato A little salsa or sour cream really boosts those taco vibes You can also fill lettuce cups for hand held tacos or scoop into low carb wraps

Cultural Inspiration

Taco skillet dinners are a clever blend of convenience and classic Mexican flavors using cabbage instead of tortillas for a new twist They are a favorite for families wanting fast comfort without a lot of steps and work just as well for anyone following a low carb lifestyle

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

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different meat besides ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives that keep the dish light while still providing rich protein and flavor.

→ How to keep cabbage from overcooking?

Add the cabbage last and cook until it becomes crisp-tender to maintain a pleasant texture without becoming mushy.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep or make-ahead?

Yes, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and gently reheated on the stove with a splash of water to keep the cheese creamy.

→ What toppings complement this dish?

Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or a spoonful of salsa add brightness and extra richness to each serving.

→ Does this fit a low-carb or keto plan?

Absolutely, the combination of cabbage, lean beef, and cheese makes it a filling and satisfying option for low-carb and keto lifestyles.