Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet 🌮🥬
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 cups green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- 1/4 cup low carb taco seasoning
- 1 Tbsp dry minced onion
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Cabbage and Seasoning:
- Stir in the cabbage, taco seasoning, dry minced onion, and water. Cook and stir until the cabbage is crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
- Substitution: You can substitute one 14-ounce bag of cabbage coleslaw mix for the fresh cabbage if desired.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 332
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.3g
- Net Carbohydrates: 5.4g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
20 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
- Yes, a 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix can be substituted for fresh cabbage.
- Is this recipe keto-friendly?
- Yes, with low net carbs, this recipe is suitable for a keto diet.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added for more variety.
- Can I make this recipe spicy?
- Yes, add jalapenos or hot sauce to increase the spice level.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, freeze the cooked mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- It pairs well with cauliflower rice, a side salad, or avocado slices.
- Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
- Yes, homemade taco seasoning works perfectly and allows you to control the ingredients.
- What kind of cheese works best?
- Cheddar cheese is recommended, but Monterey Jack or Colby cheese can also be used.
- Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
- Yes, use the sauté function for browning the meat and cooking the cabbage, then switch to the pressure cook setting for a few minutes.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- Can I add beans to this recipe?
- Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be added if you’re not following a low-carb diet.
- How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?
- Cook the cabbage until it is just crisp-tender and avoid overcooking.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage?
- Yes, red cabbage or Napa cabbage can be used as alternatives.
- How can I add more protein?
- Add black beans or serve with a side of quinoa for additional protein.
- Can I add a sauce or dressing?
- Yes, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of avocado dressing can enhance the flavor.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
- Yes, ground chicken is another great lean alternative to beef.
30 Secrets and Tips to Achieve the Perfect Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet
- Use Fresh Cabbage:
- Freshly shredded cabbage has a better texture than pre-packaged coleslaw mix.
- Brown the Beef Well:
- Ensure the ground beef is well-browned to develop deep flavors.
- Drain Excess Fat:
- Removing excess fat prevents the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cook Cabbage to Crisp-Tender:
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain a slight crunch.
- Use High-Quality Cheese:
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste:
- Customize the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Add Fresh Garlic:
- Fresh minced garlic can enhance the overall flavor.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs:
- Add fresh cilantro or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Include Additional Vegetables:
- Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavors.
- Try Different Meats:
- Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different twist.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet:
- Cast iron skillets retain heat well and provide even cooking.
- Season Layer by Layer:
- Season the ground beef and cabbage separately for more depth of flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan after browning the beef, incorporating the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
- Use Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- Homemade seasoning allows you to control the spice levels and ingredients.
- Add a Squeeze of Lime:
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the dish.
- Incorporate Spices:
- Experiment with adding cumin, paprika, or coriander for additional flavor.
- Top with Avocado:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Include Salsa:
- Serve with a side of salsa for added zest and freshness.
- Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.
- Add Heat:
- Use chili flakes or diced jalapenos to increase the spice level.
- Incorporate Beans:
- Adding black beans or pinto beans can enhance the texture and nutritional value.
- Top with Sour Cream:
- A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy, tangy element.
- Make It Cheesy:
- Mix some of the cheese into the skillet for a gooey texture throughout.
- Cook in Batches:
- If your skillet is small, cook the cabbage in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Lid:
- Covering the skillet while cooking the cabbage helps it steam and cook faster.
- Let Cheese Melt Naturally:
- After adding cheese, let it melt naturally with the residual heat for a smooth finish.
- Use Low-Sodium Ingredients:
- Choose low-sodium taco seasoning and cheese to control salt levels.
- Add a Crunchy Topping:
- Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or toasted nuts on top for added crunch.
- Balance Flavors:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Immediately:
- This dish is best served fresh and hot to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.