Keto-Friendly Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet: A Low-Carb Comfort Food
Are you looking for a delicious, nutritious, and quick meal that fits seamlessly into your keto diet? This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet is a perfect choice! Full of healthy fats, protein, and low-carb vegetables, it is an ideal meal to satisfy your hunger without derailing your ketogenic goals. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with bold flavors creates a one-pan wonder that’s both easy to make and comforting to eat. Whether you’re following a strict keto or just cutting carbs, this dish delivers on both taste and macros.
In this recipe, ground beef provides a great source of healthy fats and protein, while cabbage, being low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, serves as an excellent vegetable base. Together, they form a savory and filling dish that’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet flavorful enough for special occasions. As an added bonus, this dish is also budget-friendly, making it easy to enjoy keto meals without breaking the bank.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Keto
When you’re on the keto diet, you’re striving to maintain a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein intake to achieve ketosis, the metabolic state where your body burns fat for fuel. This recipe fits perfectly within those parameters.
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is a cornerstone of many keto meals due to its high-fat content. Fat is the primary source of energy on a keto diet, and it helps keep you feeling full longer. The protein in ground beef also contributes to maintaining muscle mass, which is important for overall health and wellness. This recipe calls for 80/20 ground beef, which has the right balance of fat and protein for a keto-friendly dish. If you prefer leaner beef, feel free to use 90/10 ground beef, but be aware that it may not be as flavorful or satisfying without the extra fat.
Cabbage:
Cabbage is an excellent low-carb vegetable, making it a staple in many keto meals. With just 2 grams of carbs per cup, cabbage is perfect for those trying to cut back on carbohydrates while still getting a good amount of fiber. This vegetable is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Healthy Fats:
In addition to the fat from the ground beef, this recipe includes olive oil, which is a source of monounsaturated fats. These fats are heart-healthy and help with overall fat absorption, making them an important component of a keto diet.
Versatility and Customization:
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap the ground beef for other keto-friendly proteins like ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. You can also add keto-friendly ingredients like cheese, sour cream, or avocado to boost flavor and fat content.
Ingredients for Keto Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
For the Skillet:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or your preferred fat content): This is the base of the recipe, providing protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded: Cabbage adds a mild flavor and bulk to the dish without adding many carbs. Its crisp texture complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and beef, providing monounsaturated fats and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish, making it more flavorful without adding many carbs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding an aromatic depth that complements the beef and cabbage.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm spice that pairs well with beef and adds a slightly earthy, smoky flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives the dish a subtle smoky flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the cabbage and beef.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, chili flakes add a spicy kick without adding carbs.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Optional Toppings (for added fat and flavor):
- 1/4 cup sour cream: A great way to add creaminess and healthy fats to the dish, which are essential on the keto diet.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice): Cheese is a staple in keto cooking and provides an extra dose of healthy fats and flavor.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish that adds color and brightness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by shredding the cabbage into thin strips. You can use a knife, a mandoline, or a food processor to do this. Shredded cabbage cooks faster than larger chunks, and it absorbs the flavors of the ground beef more effectively.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef cooks evenly.
As the beef cooks, it will release some fat. Depending on your preference, you can either drain some of the fat or leave it in for extra flavor. The fat content in the beef will add richness to the dish, which is key to making it satisfying on a keto diet.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. The onion will add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the beef.
Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. This step is important for building the flavor profile of the dish.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine. The cabbage will begin to wilt and soften as it cooks down. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
If you prefer your cabbage softer, you can cook it for a few extra minutes. Keep in mind that cabbage will shrink down as it cooks, so don’t worry if the pan looks full at first.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to enhance the flavors further, feel free to add a pinch more of cumin or paprika.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage hot, either as a stand-alone dish or with your favorite keto-friendly sides. For an extra touch, you can top the dish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Chopped cilantro or parsley can also be added as a fresh garnish to enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor.
Optional Variations and Customizations
- Add Cheese: If you want to boost the fat content of the dish and add a creamy element, stir in shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese) while the cabbage is cooking. This will give the dish a richer texture and flavor.
- Add Bacon or Sausage: For extra flavor, try adding some cooked bacon or keto-friendly sausage to the skillet. These will add more healthy fats and create a more savory, smoky flavor profile.
- Spicy Variations: If you enjoy spicy food, increase the amount of chili flakes, or add jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the dish for a spicy kick.
- Top with Avocado: A few slices of avocado make for an excellent topping, providing extra healthy fats and a creamy texture.
- Baked Version: For a different texture, you can bake the beef and cabbage mixture in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the top is slightly crispy. This method adds a baked flavor to the dish that’s delicious.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 24g