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Craving a hearty, comforting one-pan meal that’s both delicious and easy to clean up? Look no further! This Cabbage and Beef Skillet is about to become your new weeknight favorite. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and I’m thrilled to share my secret for achieving a rich, flavorful sauce that’s never watery. Forget those bland, soggy cabbage dishes of the past – this skillet is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage and Beef Skillet

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this simple skillet meal! Here are just a few:

  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet.
  • Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and ground beef are both affordable ingredients.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences with different vegetables or seasonings.
  • Hearty and Filling: A satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.
  • No Watery Sauce, Guaranteed: My special technique ensures a perfectly balanced sauce every time!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Cabbage and Beef Skillet

The beauty of this cabbage and beef skillet lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The robust beef provides a savory foundation, while the cabbage offers a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch. Let’s dive into the specifics:

  • One pound of ground beef: Look for ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture. You can also use leaner ground beef, but you might need to add a bit more olive oil to the skillet.
  • One medium head of cabbage, chopped: Green cabbage is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like savoy or red cabbage for a different flavor profile.
  • One large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work best. They add a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
  • One (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create a rich and flavorful sauce base. Look for a brand with no added sugar or salt.
  • One bell pepper, sliced: Any color bell pepper will work, but red or yellow peppers add a touch of sweetness. Green bell peppers offer a slightly more bitter flavor.
  • Two cloves of garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic kick.
  • One teaspoon of dried thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, savory note that complements the beef and cabbage perfectly.
  • Half a teaspoon of salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust the amount to your liking.
  • One-quarter teaspoon of black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice and warmth. Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
  • Two tablespoons of olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the beef and vegetables. You can substitute with another oil if needed.

Crafting Your Cabbage and Beef Skillet: Step-by-Step

Ready to create your own delicious Cabbage and Beef Skillet? Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list of ingredients – this recipe is surprisingly simple. The key to success lies in a simple technique that prevents a watery sauce. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal in no time!

  1. Sauté the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking. This step is important for preventing a greasy final dish.
  2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Cooking these vegetables until they’re tender helps to release their natural sweetness and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Infuse with Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. This short cooking time allows the garlic to bloom and release its aroma without burning.
  4. The Secret to No Watery Sauce: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Toss the cabbage with the beef mixture, then spread it out in an even layer. Let it sit, undisturbed, for 5-7 minutes. This is the MOST IMPORTANT step! Allowing the cabbage to sit undisturbed encourages it to release its moisture without steaming in it, preventing a watery sauce. The slight browning on the bottom of the cabbage also adds a depth of flavor.
  5. Simmer in Tomato Goodness: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring everything is coated in the tomato sauce.
  6. Cook to Tender Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Cabbage and Beef Skillet hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor! This dish is fantastic on its own or served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage and Beef Skillet Every Time

Want to take your Cabbage and Beef Skillet to the next level? Here are some pro tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning. If you’re making a large batch, cook the beef and vegetables in batches.
  • Adjust the seasoning: Taste the skillet before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
  • Add a touch of sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the skillet along with the crushed tomatoes.
  • Spice it up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
  • Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian version. You might also enjoy our Savory Barley Stew for a hearty vegetarian meal.

What to Serve With Cabbage and Beef Skillet

This Cabbage and Beef Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

  • Mashed potatoes or rice
  • A side salad
  • Crusty bread for dipping
  • Steamed green beans

Your Cabbage and Beef Skillet Questions Answered (FAQ)

Got questions about making Cabbage and Beef Skillet? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and achieve the best results:

Can I use frozen cabbage?

While fresh cabbage is preferred, you can use frozen cabbage in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Keep in mind that the texture of frozen cabbage will be softer than fresh cabbage.

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. The cooking time will remain the same. For another turkey recipe, check out our Savory Biscuits with Turkey Gravy.

How do I store leftover Cabbage and Beef Skillet?

Store leftover Cabbage and Beef Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Can I freeze Cabbage and Beef Skillet?

Yes, you can freeze Cabbage and Beef Skillet. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

My sauce is still watery. What did I do wrong?

The most common reason for a watery sauce is not allowing the cabbage to release its moisture properly in step 5. Ensure that you are spreading the cabbage in an even layer and letting it sit undisturbed for the recommended time. Also, be sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after cooking.

Enjoy Your Homemade Cabbage and Beef Skillet!

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and comforting Cabbage and Beef Skillet recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. With my secret for preventing a watery sauce, you can enjoy a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to savor the goodness. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Cabbage and Beef Skillet turns out! And if you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family on social media!

Cabbage and Beef Skillet (Never Watery Sauce)

Cabbage and Beef Skillet (Never Watery Sauce) Save For Later!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Here’s the KEY to avoiding a watery sauce: Toss the cabbage with the beef mixture, then spread it out in an even layer. Let it sit, undisturbed, for 5-7 minutes. This allows the cabbage to release some of its moisture without steaming in it. The slight browning on the bottom of the cabbage adds depth of flavor and prevents a watery sauce.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally.
  8. Serve hot.

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