Whenever I’m craving something hearty, cozy, and loaded with flavor—but still want to keep things simple—this cheesy ground beef and cabbage skillet always hits the spot.

It reminds me of old-fashioned home-cooked meals, the kind that fills the house with warmth and makes you want to gather around the table just a little longer.

It’s savory, cheesy, and packed with veggies, all in one satisfying skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory, cheesy comfort – packed with seasoned beef and melted cheddar

One-skillet meal – fewer dishes, more flavor

Loaded with veggies – cabbage, bell peppers, and tomatoes

Customizable – add your favorite seasonings or extra heat

Hearty and filling – perfect for lunch or dinner

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Lean ground beef – the protein base, seasoned and juicy

Cabbage – adds bulk and natural sweetness as it cooks down

Onions, garlic & bell pepper – build the savory flavor base

Diced tomatoes – bring moisture and a hint of acidity

Cheddar cheese – gooey, melty topping that finishes it perfectly

Spices – paprika, oregano, onion powder for depth and warmth

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use a Dutch oven or deep skillet so everything fits comfortably.

Chop the cabbage into even bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Don’t skimp on the seasoning—it brings the veggies and beef to life.

You can prep the veggies ahead to make cooking even faster.

Let the cheese melt off-heat with the lid on for a gooey top layer.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Dice the onions and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and chop the cabbage into bite-size pieces after removing the core.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onions and garlic. Once fragrant, stir in the bell pepper.

Cook until softened, then transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add more olive oil and the ground beef.

Cook until browned, breaking into small crumbles.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Return the sautéed veggies to the pan.

Stir in onion powder, oregano, paprika, diced tomatoes, pepper (and salt if desired). Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Simmer

Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.

Then uncover, stir, and cook for another 15 minutes until cabbage is tender.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

Top the skillet with shredded cheese.

Cover briefly to melt. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This cheesy skillet is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

A slice of warm crusty bread

Steamed rice or quinoa

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Roasted potatoes or sweet potato mash

Variations / Substitutions

Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella

Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef

Add crushed red pepper for extra heat

Mix in cooked rice or beans to make it a one-bowl meal

Make it low-fat with light cheese and leaner meat

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep (up to 2 months).

Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just keep an eye on cooking time—it softens faster.

Do I have to use ground beef?
Nope! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles also work well.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, jalapeño, or hot sauce to taste.

What type of skillet should I use?
A deep nonstick skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking and layering everything evenly.

Is this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes—especially if you skip tomatoes or use a lower-carb variety.

Can I add rice or pasta to the skillet?
Definitely! Stir in cooked rice or noodles before adding the cheese for a heartier meal.

Does it reheat well for meal prep?
It reheats beautifully! The flavors deepen overnight, and it’s perfect for weekday lunches.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy ground beef and cabbage skillet is everything I want in a comfort food dish: rich, flavorful, packed with veggies, and irresistibly cheesy.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes with the first bite and keeps you coming back for seconds.

A must-keep recipe in any busy home cook’s rotation.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner loaded with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and melty cheddar. It’s budget-friendly, low-carb, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 small onions diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder
• 1 green bell pepper or red/yellow
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 large head of cabbage chopped
• 1 –2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack

Method

 

1. Prepare veggies: dice onions and bell pepper, mince garlic, chop cabbage into bite-size pieces.
2. In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add onions and garlic. Stir in bell pepper and cook until softened. Remove and set aside.
4. Add more oil and ground beef to the skillet. Brown and break into small pieces.
5. Add the cooked veggies, seasonings, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
6. Add cabbage, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/cheesy-ground-beef-and-cabbage-skillet/

Notes

• For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.