One-Pot Ground Beef and Cabbage Dinner
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Craving a cozy and flavorful dinner? This one-pot ground beef and cabbage is brimming with comforting flavors and comes together in under an hour!

Do you ever get stuck in a dinner rut? I know I do! This one-pot ground beef and cabbage recipe is a great way to break out of that cycle. It’s simple enough for even beginner cooks but still has plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! Everything cooks together in a single Dutch oven, which means less mess and more time to relax, which we could all use a little more of!
- Perfect for Weeknights: This recipe is a total time-saver! Everything cooks together in one pot, which means minimal prep and even less cleanup. Perfect for those nights when you just don’t have the energy for a multi-step meal.
- Comforting Flavors: Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you! The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and Italian seasoning creates a surprisingly delicious dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are both affordable ingredients, so this recipe is easy on your wallet. Plus, it’s a hearty dish that will leave everyone feeling full and satisfied.
Ready to try it? See the full recipe below for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips!
Ground beef and cabbage recipe
Ingredients:
- Green cabbage, chopped: This provides the base of the dish, adding a slightly sweet and tender element as it simmers.
- Onion, finely diced: The diced onion cooks down and adds a base layer of savory flavor.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juice: The diced tomatoes and their juices create the flavorful and slightly tangy sauce that everything simmers in.
- Italian seasoning: This pre-mixed blend of herbs and spices adds a classic Italian flavor profile to the dish.
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Seasoning is key! These essentials enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- Ground beef: Look for lean ground beef for best results!
Instructions:
Chop the cabbage and finely dice the onion.
Add the cabbage, diced onion, tomatoes with juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the dutch oven.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout.
Cover the pot, return to a simmer, and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking tips
- Watch the Liquid: As cabbage cooks, it releases liquid. If the pot seems dry during simmering, add a splash of water or broth to prevent burning.
- Don’t Crowd the Pot: Use a large enough Dutch oven to avoid overcrowding. If needed, brown the ground beef in batches.
- Simmer Slow: Simmer gently for the best results. This allows flavors to develop and prevents mushy cabbage.
Storing leftovers
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cabbage? Absolutely! Green cabbage is classic, but you can also try red cabbage for a vibrant pop of color.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? No problem! You can substitute with a mixture of dried oregano, basil, and thyme in equal parts.
Is this recipe vegetarian? No, this recipe includes ground beef. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding an extra can of diced tomatoes or another veggie like chopped mushrooms or bell peppers.
How can I make this recipe spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. Of course, you can always drizzle a little hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
My cabbage seems dry during simmering. What should I do? Cabbage releases liquid as it cooks, so it shouldn’t need any more liquid than we already added. If it does seem low, you can always add a few splashes of water or broth to prevent burning.
The recipe says not to overcrowd the pot. Why? Overcrowding can prevent the ground beef from browning properly and lead to uneven cooking. If using a smaller Dutch oven, brown the beef in batches ahead of time if necessary.
I don’t have ground beef; what do I do? This recipe will work with any ground meat. I like it especially well with ground venison, though you could use ground pork as well. Just be sure to check the internal temp to ensure the meat is cooked through.
More delicious recipes you may enjoy!
- One pot sausage peppers and rice
- How to cook a whole roast chicken
- Southwest-style chicken casserole
- Easy fried beef liver
If you made this recipe and loved it, I would love for you to leave a 5-star review! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @castironskilletcooking
Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage
Equipment
- 6 qt dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage chopped
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice 14.5 oz
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs ground beef
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage and finely dice the onion.
- Add the cabbage, diced onion, tomatoes with juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes stirring often.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout.
- Cover the pot, return to a simmer, and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.