Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet (One Pan!)
Easy ground beef and cabbage skillet ready in just 25 minutes! Asian inspired one pan meal with bold flavors — healthy low carb and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing enhancing flavors with a slight fruity note.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein foundation of the dish adaptable to ground turkey or chicken for variety.
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger: Adds a spicy warm undertone. Fresh ginger preferred, or substitute with 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a concentrated garlic flavor easily replaced with one minced garlic clove.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides depth substitute with 1/4 cup finely chopped onion if desired.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds mild heat can be adjusted to taste or replaced with a pinch of cayenne.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Boosts overall flavor with a slight kick.
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar: Balances the dish with a touch of sweetness; brown sugar can be used instead.
- 1/2 large head green cabbage sliced: Supplies crunch and bulk, a vital veggie component.
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced: For sweetness and color, yellow or green peppers can be used as well.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers color and slight sweetness an essential part of the vegetable mix.
- 3 green onions chopped: Provides a fresh, slightly sharp flavor. Scallions can work if green onions not available.
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos or tamari/soy sauce: Adds umami; choose based on dietary preference (gluten-free or soy-free options).
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings tanginess to balance the flavors easily swapped with rice vinegar.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Add texture and visual appeal; optional but recommended.
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. The oil should shimmer when it’s ready, ensuring your beef sears correctly for an optimal, caramelized flavor.Step 2: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef and minced ginger to the hot skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula, cooking until most of the pink is gone—around 5 minutes. This step enhances the dish with the aromatic essence of ginger.Step 3: Spice It Up
Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and coconut sugar into the skillet. Stir well, cooking for another minute until the spices release their fragrance, deepening the dish’s flavor profile.Step 4: Combine the Vegetables
Add the cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, and green onions. Gently toss everything to blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly yet maintain some texture—a perfect contrast to the beef.Step 5: Final Seasoning
Pour in the coconut aminos and stir well for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well-coated and the flavors meld together.Step 6: Finish with Vinegar
Add apple cider vinegar, turn off the heat, and give the mix one last stir. This step cuts the richness and adds a gleaming finish to the dish.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning beef — cook in a single layer for proper browning not steaming!
Don't overcook the cabbage — 5-7 minutes keeps it slightly crisp which is perfect texture contrast to the beef.
Coconut aminos is a great soy-free gluten-free alternative to soy sauce — use tamari for gluten free with soy.
Add the apple cider vinegar at the very end off heat — this preserves its brightness and tang.
Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days — great for meal prep!