Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage: A Flavorful, Low-Carb One-Pan Meal

If you’re looking for a delicious, simple, and nutritious meal that’s both keto-friendly and low-carb, look no further than this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish. This one-pan wonder is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect option for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a medley of aromatic spices, this dish is hearty enough to keep you full for hours without the high carb count.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week ahead, Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you on track with your dietary goals. The best part? It takes just a few basic ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

For this keto-friendly Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean or your preferred fat content)
  • 1 medium head of cabbage (about 4-5 cups chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for added tang)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a rich, smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • Salt to taste (be generous with salt to enhance flavor)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Chop the cabbage into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and garlic finely, ensuring that the garlic is minced to release its full flavor. If you’re using shredded cheese for topping, measure out 1/2 cup and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

If there’s any excess grease from the beef, drain it off, but leave a small amount in the pan to help flavor the dish. Set the cooked beef aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir well to coat the cabbage with the oil and flavors of the onion and garlic. Sauté the cabbage for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and shrink in volume. The cabbage should remain slightly crisp and not completely wilt.

Step 5: Season the Dish

Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cabbage. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture. The smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor, while the thyme provides an earthy, aromatic quality that complements the cabbage perfectly.

Step 6: Combine the Beef and Cabbage

Once the cabbage is softened but still slightly crisp, return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes. Add the apple cider vinegar and beef broth to the mixture, stirring to combine. The vinegar adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the beef and cabbage.

Step 7: Final Simmer and Adjust Seasonings

Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to come together. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. If you prefer a more tender cabbage, you can let it cook a few more minutes, but keep in mind that it should retain some texture for the best result.

Step 8: Optional Cheese Topping

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cabbage and beef mixture. Let it melt and bubble for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a delicious, gooey richness to the dish and takes it to the next level.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy this keto-friendly, low-carb meal!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Based on 4 servings (for the entire recipe)

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 27g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Net Carbs: 5g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

This keto-friendly Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe has 6 SmartPoints per serving based on the traditional WW program. Since it’s high in protein and healthy fats, it’s a great option for anyone tracking their points and aiming for a satisfying, low-carb meal.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Recipe:

  1. Perfectly Balanced Macros: With just 5g of net carbs per serving, this recipe fits seamlessly into a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet. The high protein content from the ground beef and the fiber from the cabbage helps keep you full and satisfied for longer, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
  2. Quick and Easy to Make: This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a complete, flavorful meal ready for the whole family. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
  3. Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences. If you want to make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to swap the cabbage for kale, zucchini, or spinach if you’re craving a different vegetable. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for the beef.
  4. Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are both affordable ingredients that can feed a crowd. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is a great way to stick to your budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
  5. Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect option for meal prepping. Simply divide it into portions and store in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Dish:

  1. Adjust the Texture of Cabbage: If you prefer a softer cabbage, you can cook it longer, but if you like a bit of crunch, be sure to sauté it just until it begins to soften but still holds its shape.
  2. Lean Ground Beef: While 80% lean beef is ideal for flavor, you can use leaner ground beef if you’re trying to reduce fat content. Just be sure to add a little extra oil or butter to prevent the dish from becoming dry.
  3. Try Different Vegetables: While cabbage is a great low-carb option, don’t be afraid to experiment with other low-carb vegetables. Cauliflower rice, broccoli, or even Brussels sprouts can be excellent substitutes that add even more variety to the dish.
  4. Season to Taste: The seasoning in this recipe can easily be adjusted based on your preferences. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two. For those who enjoy bold flavors, cumin, coriander, or chili powder would be great additions.
  5. Add a Side Salad: If you’re craving more greens, serve this dish with a side salad of mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy olive oil-based dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe is a perfect example of how simple, nutritious ingredients can come together to create a satisfying, low-carb meal. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or paleo lifestyle, this dish fits your needs without compromising on flavor. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and most importantly, delicious. With just a few basic ingredients, you can prepare a meal that’s filling, healthy, and full of rich flavors.

Enjoy your keto-friendly meal and don’t forget to share your experience with us!