Hearty Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe for Taco Night

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor, and this ground beef taco cabbage skillet checks every box for a satisfying meal.

Hearty ingredients dance together in one pan, creating a low-carb feast that brings zesty Mexican-inspired tastes to your table.

cabbage provides a crisp, nutritious base that absorbs the rich, spicy seasoning of browned ground beef perfectly.

Melted cheese adds a creamy finish that makes every bite irresistible.

The recipe cuts carbs without sacrificing those classic taco flavors everyone craves.

Loaded with protein and vegetables, this skillet meal comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this simple yet incredibly tasty one-pan wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet: One-Pan Wonder

• Whip up this one-pan wonder in less than half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Replace traditional taco ingredients with cabbage for a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn't sacrifice any of the delicious Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Leverage affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage to create a hearty, filling meal that won't break the bank while still delivering maximum taste.

Skillet Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that provides the main protein base for this skillet dish.

• Cabbage, Onion: A crisp and low-carb vegetable combination that adds texture and a mild sweetness to the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend of spices that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to the dish.
• Water: Helps to create moisture and steam while cooking the cabbage.
• Cheese: A melty topping that adds richness and creates a creamy finish to the skillet.

Tools For The Best Beef Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Colander or strainer: Helpful for draining excess fat from the hamburger.
• Measuring spoon: Needed for accurately measuring taco seasoning and dry onion.
• Cheese grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Lid: Necessary for melting cheese over the cabbage skillet.

Cooking Up Taco Cabbage Skillet Meals

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Once fully cooked, carefully drain away any excess grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Spice Up the Skillet

• Shredded cabbage
• Taco seasoning
• Dried onion flakes
• Water

Stir everything together and cook, continuing to mix occasionally.

Let the cabbage become tender but still maintain a slight crunch, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the beef and cabbage mixture.

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the cheese melt completely.

The steam will help create a gooey, irresistible topping that blends all the flavors together.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Scoop the hot, cheesy beef and cabbage directly from the skillet onto serving plates.

The dish is ready to be enjoyed immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is still melted.

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Skillet Tips For Bold Taco Flavor

• Use a colander to remove excess grease from ground beef for a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Adjust taco seasoning to taste, adding more for bolder flavors or less for a milder profile.
• Don't overcook cabbage; aim for crisp-tender texture to maintain nutrients and prevent mushiness.
• Let skillet sit covered off heat after melting cheese to allow flavors to meld and cheese to become extra gooey.
• This recipe is naturally low-carb and can be keto-friendly with the right seasoning and cheese selection.

One-Pan Variations For Easy Dinners

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Turkey Taco Transformation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that reduces overall fat content while keeping the classic taco seasoning kick.
• Vegetarian Bean Blend: Swap ground meat entirely with black beans or lentils, adding extra plant-based protein and creating a satisfying meatless version of the original skillet dish.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs without sacrificing the cheesy topping.

Serving Taco Skillet Hot And Ready

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Top the skillet with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a burst of color and creamy texture.
• Loaded Taco Bowl: Serve over Mexican-style rice or crushed tortilla chips to add extra crunch and make the meal more filling.
• Fresh Veggie Boost: Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors and add a zesty kick.
• Quick Toppings Bar: Let everyone customize their plate with additional cheese, sliced avocado, or hot sauce for a personalized dining experience.

Storing Skillet Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled skillet to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding cheese before freezing for best texture.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water to prevent drying and restore moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is cabbage a good substitute for tortillas in taco recipes?

Yes, cabbage provides a low-carb, nutritious alternative to traditional tortillas, adding extra crunch and nutrients while keeping the dish lighter and healthier.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly with the taco seasoning and maintains the same delicious flavor profile.

• How spicy is this taco skillet?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. If you prefer mild flavor, choose a mild seasoning mix. For more heat, select a hot or spicy taco seasoning blend.

Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired ground beef taco cabbage skillet delivers a hearty, low-carb meal packed with bold flavors. Quick and easy preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners you can enjoy without guilt.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 5 cups (473 milliliters) green cabbage, shredded or chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) low carb taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dry minced onion

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving minimal residue for flavor.
3. Incorporate finely shredded cabbage, taco seasoning, dehydrated onion, and water into the skillet, stirring consistently.
4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, continuing to mix ingredients, until cabbage reaches a crisp-tender texture, roughly 5-6 minutes.
5. Evenly distribute shredded cheese across the skillet’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow cheese to melt completely, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove lid and verify cheese has transformed into a smooth, glossy layer.
8. Immediately transfer the skillet’s contents to serving plates, ensuring each portion captures the melted cheese and seasoned beef-cabbage mixture.
9. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for additional flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Add extra heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process.
• Enhance nutrition by mixing in bell peppers or zucchini along with the cabbage for more vegetable variety.
• Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe more diet-friendly and lighter.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg