Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet – Best One-Pan Low-Carb Meal

Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying low-carb dinner? This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is a delicious one-pan wonder that checks all the boxes. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, keto meal prep, or when you’re craving taco flavors without the carbs. With only a handful of simple ingredients and minimal clean-up, this skillet dish brings bold Tex-Mex flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet isn’t just easy to throw together — it’s packed with nutritious ingredients and customizable for various diets. Cabbage offers a low-calorie, fiber-rich base that soaks up the taco seasoning beautifully, while the ground beef delivers protein-packed satisfaction. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carbs, or just want a hearty skillet dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with zero fuss.

• Low-carb & keto-friendly: Just 5.4g net carbs per serving.
• One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Common pantry and fridge staples.
• Family-friendly: Taco flavors everyone will love, without the tortillas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Lean Ground Beef – Adds savory flavor and protein
• Green Cabbage – Brings texture, bulk, and a low-carb base
• Low-Carb Taco Seasoning – Delivers bold Tex-Mex flavor
• Dry Minced Onion – Adds a punch of onion flavor with convenience
• Water – Helps steam and soften the cabbage
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the dish for creamy richness

Ingredient Substitutes and Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken – Leaner meats work just as well if you prefer a lighter version
• Coleslaw Mix – Use a 14 oz bag as a shortcut if you’re short on time
• Purple Cabbage – Adds a pop of color with a similar flavor profile
• Homemade Taco Seasoning – Control your spice and sodium levels
• Fresh Onion – Swap out dried for ¼ cup fresh chopped onion if desired
• Cheese Blends – Try Pepper Jack or Mexican blend for extra flavor

How to Make Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cabbage, taco seasoning, dry minced onion, and ¼ cup water. Mix well so the seasonings evenly coat the meat and cabbage.
3. Cook Until Tender: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly across the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and allow the cheese to melt for 5–10 minutes. Once gooey and melted, remove from heat.
6. Serve Immediately: Dish out portions while hot and enjoy the cheesy, taco-spiced goodness.

Tips to Make It Even Better

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better and avoids added starches from bagged cheese.
• Watch the Cabbage Texture – Don’t overcook. You want a slight crunch for the best bite.
• Taste Before Serving – Adjust taco seasoning to your heat and salt preferences.
• Cover During Melting – Keeps moisture in and helps the cheese melt faster.
• Storage Tips – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

What to Serve with This Taco Cabbage Skillet

Pair this Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet with complementary low-carb sides or elevate it with toppings and twists:

• Toppings: Avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or hot sauce
• Side Options: Cauliflower rice, grilled veggies, or a simple green salad
• Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper, chipotle powder, or diced jalapeños
• Add Crunch: Top with keto tortilla chips or crispy bacon bits for texture
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store in portions for grab-and-go lunches

Why This Skillet is Perfect for Low-Carb and Keto Diets

This Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is designed to deliver maximum flavor while aligning with low-carb and ketogenic diets. The combination of high-protein ground beef, fiber-rich cabbage, and healthy fats from cheese makes it both satiating and blood sugar-friendly.

• Just 5.4g Net Carbs – Perfect for staying in ketosis
• Protein-Packed – 30g of protein per serving keeps you full longer
• Fiber Boost – Cabbage contributes nearly 3g of fiber per serving
• Flexible for Macros – Add more fat or veggies to hit your daily goals

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Whether you’re trying to eat low-carb, meal prep ahead, or just want to cook something that pleases everyone at the table, this skillet hits the mark. With tender cabbage, bold taco-seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, every bite is a comforting, crave-worthy experience. Plus, it’s easily customizable and reheats beautifully. Add this to your regular rotation and enjoy the satisfying flavors of tacos — minus the carbs and cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe: A leaner twist on the classic taco skillet, this dish combines savory ground turkey with bold spices and veggies in one pan. It’s a perfect low-carb alternative that’s just as hearty and flavorful as its beef counterpart.
• Walking Taco Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe: All the flavors of a taco in a comforting baked casserole form. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and great for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family on a budget.
• White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: While not a skillet meal, these creamy enchiladas deliver rich Tex-Mex flavor in a different format. They’re great for those who enjoy cheesy, saucy dinners similar in comfort to a taco skillet.

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