Cabbage Roll Skillet: An Easy Keto Ground Beef Dinner Recipe

Name: Cabbage Roll Skillet: An Easy Keto Ground Beef Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 small head of cabbage, cored and chopped; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tsp Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning (see notes for substitutions); 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

If you’re on the hunt for quick, easy, and healthy low-carb meals, look no further than this Cabbage Roll Skillet. This dish is not only packed with fiber and nutrients, but it’s also incredibly delicious and family-friendly. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a wholesome dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it with rice for those who aren’t keto, or enjoy it as-is for a satisfying low-carb meal.

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making this Cabbage Roll Skillet, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for customization and storage. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe

This Cabbage Roll Skillet is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy: With just one skillet and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes.
Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs and high in healthy fats, this dish is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the savory flavors of ground beef, cabbage, and melted cheese.
Nutritious: Cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber, while ground beef provides protein and iron.
Customizable: Add your favorite spices, swap out ingredients, or adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cabbage Roll Skillet:

1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference.
1 yellow onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 bell pepper (chopped): Use any color you like for a pop of color and crunch.
1 small head of cabbage (cored & chopped): The star of the dish, providing fiber and a satisfying texture.
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a touch of acidity.
2 tsp Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning: A flavorful blend of spices that elevates the dish. (See notes for substitutions.)
2 tsp garlic powder: For a savory, aromatic kick.
2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
1 tsp black pepper: Enhances the overall taste.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cabbage Roll Skillet:

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
If there’s more than a few tablespoons of excess fat, drain it (a little extra fat is fine for added flavor).

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add Cabbage and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings (Tony Chachere’s, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper).
Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

4. Simmer

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed.

5. Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cabbage Roll Skillet hot, either on its own or with a side of rice for non-keto eaters.

The Health Benefits of Cabbage in Your Skillet

Cabbage is the star ingredient in this Cabbage Roll Skillet, and for good reason. This humble vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an excellent addition to any meal, especially for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Cabbage is incredibly low in calories, with just 22 calories per cup, making it a great choice for weight management. Despite its low calorie count, it’s packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health, while vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone health and blood clotting. The high fiber content in cabbage promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer, which is ideal for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet.

Another benefit of cabbage is its versatility. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or fermented, and it pairs well with a variety of flavors. In this Cabbage Roll Skillet, the cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it cooks, complementing the savory ground beef and melted cheese. Additionally, cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Its high water content also makes it hydrating, contributing to overall wellness. For those on a keto diet, cabbage is a fantastic low-carb vegetable that fits perfectly into your macros. It’s also budget-friendly and widely available, making it an accessible ingredient for everyone. By incorporating cabbage into your meals, you’re not only adding flavor and texture but also boosting the nutritional value of your dish.

Why This Skillet Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Life can get hectic, and finding time to cook a healthy, delicious meal can feel like a challenge. That’s where this Cabbage Roll Skillet comes in. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. With just one skillet, you can prepare a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, onions, and bell peppers, which are easy to find and often already in your pantry or fridge. The prep work is minimal—just chop the vegetables, brown the beef, and let everything simmer together.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. For example, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or pre-shredded cabbage to cut down on prep work. If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe—it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. The Cabbage Roll Skillet is also family-friendly. While it’s designed to be keto-friendly, you can easily serve it with rice or crusty bread for those who aren’t following a low-carb diet. The melted cheese on top adds a comforting touch that kids and adults alike will love. Plus, the dish is packed with protein and fiber, ensuring that everyone stays full and satisfied. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves a good one-pan meal, this recipe is a lifesaver.

Customizing Your Cabbage Roll Skillet

One of the best things about this Cabbage Roll Skillet is how customizable it is. Whether you’re looking to switch up the flavors, accommodate dietary restrictions, or use what’s already in your fridge, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. For instance, if you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Each protein option brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment.

You can also play around with the vegetables. While the recipe calls for onions, bell peppers, and cabbage, you can add other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a kick. For a creamier texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.

The seasonings are another area where you can get creative. If you don’t have Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning, you can use a mix of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, try adding Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or curry powder for a completely different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, making this Cabbage Roll Skillet a recipe you can come back to again and again without getting bored. By customizing the dish to your preferences, you can make it truly your own while still enjoying a healthy, delicious meal.

Why Cabbage is a Superfood

Cabbage is the unsung hero of this Cabbage Roll Skillet. Here’s why it’s such a fantastic ingredient:

Low in Calories: Cabbage is incredibly low in calories, making it perfect for weight management.
High in Fiber: Promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer.
Rich in Vitamins: Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Versatile: Can be used in salads, soups, stir-fries, and more.

Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Benefits

This Cabbage Roll Skillet is ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Here’s how it fits into your diet:

Low in Carbs: Cabbage and ground beef are naturally low in carbohydrates.
High in Healthy Fats: The cheese and beef provide a good source of fats, keeping you satiated.
Balanced Macros: Perfect for meeting your daily protein and fat goals without exceeding carb limits.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is delicious on its own, here are a few ways to serve it:

With Rice: For non-keto eaters, serve over a bed of steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a fresh touch.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
In a Bowl: Serve in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for ground beef.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Cabbage Roll Skillet are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Sure! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

5. What can I use instead of Tony Chachere’s seasoning?

If you don’t have Tony Chachere’s, use a mix of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.