Description
This Paleo Cabbage Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground beef and tender cabbage simmered with aromatic spices and diced tomatoes. Perfect for a low-carb, grain-free diet, it combines simple ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
Spices & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soften, which develops the base flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat: If necessary, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Add cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to wilt and soften.
- Season the dish: Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld together.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top as a bright finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner version.
- Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a more paleo-friendly fat option.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking.
