Paleo Cabbage Skillet

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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This Paleo Cabbage Skillet is one of those comforting, one-pan wonders that brings cozy flavors and hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Whether you’re eating paleo, looking to clean out the fridge, or just need a healthy but filling meal, this skillet is always a hit.

The magic of this recipe is how humble ingredients transform into something craveable. Ground meat, shredded cabbage, and a handful of spices come together with savory depth and a hint of sweetness from sautéed onions. You can keep it classic or spice it up with your favorite seasonings. Either way, the result is a sizzling, savory dish you’ll want to scoop straight from the skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Paleo Cabbage Skillet

This meal checks all the right boxes: fast, healthy, budget-friendly, and comforting. It’s ideal for meal prep since it reheats like a dream. You won’t miss grains or dairy here, as the hearty cabbage and rich meat keep every bite satisfying. Plus, the simple ingredients mean you likely already have what you need to make it tonight.

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Absolutely. While ground beef is classic in this skillet, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a lighter or different flavor profile. If you’re plant-based, ground meat alternatives or crumbled tempeh work just as well.

Ingredients for the Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Simple pantry staples shine in this recipe. Everything is fresh, whole-food based, and keeps the dish firmly paleo while bursting with flavor.

• Ground beef
• Green cabbage
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Each ingredient plays a key role. Ground beef brings satisfying protein and richness. Cabbage softens into a tender, slightly sweet base. Onion and garlic are essential aromatics, infusing every bite with warmth. Olive oil keeps everything cooking smoothly while lending heart-healthy fats. A little smoked paprika adds depth, while salt and pepper round out the flavor.

How To Make the Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften, then add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir it in with the onions and garlic, letting it wilt down for about 5 to 8 minutes. If needed, add a splash of water to steam and soften the cabbage more evenly.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and sprinkle in the smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the skillet hot, straight from the pan or plated with optional garnishes like chopped parsley or avocado slices.

How to Serve and Store Your Paleo Cabbage Skillet

This skillet is best served warm, right off the stove. It feeds about 4 people generously, especially if served with a side or topping. The dish holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or microwave.

It also freezes well for up to a month. Let it cool fully before packing into freezer-safe bags or containers.

What to Serve With Paleo Cabbage Skillet?

Sautéed Mushrooms

Add even more umami with buttery mushrooms on the side.

Cauliflower Rice

A grain-free side that pairs perfectly with the skillet’s savory flavors.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness balances the earthiness of cabbage.

Simple Garden Salad

Fresh greens with a lemony dressing refresh the plate.

Fried Egg on Top

A runny yolk over the skillet makes this even more satisfying.

Guacamole

Creamy avocado dip adds a cool contrast.

Fermented Veggies

Kimchi or sauerkraut boost the flavor and gut health.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love how easy and flavorful this cabbage skillet is, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty recipes:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you’re craving rich and satisfying veggie-packed comfort.
• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a decadent, hearty twist on weeknight pasta.
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a protein-packed, fresh and flavorful meal.
• Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms if you want something comforting and veggie-forward.
• Zucchini Lasagna to keep it low-carb and high-flavor with layers of zucchini goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try turkey or keep it classic with beef? Add any fun twists like hot sauce or chopped bacon?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinner better, together.

Explore more weeknight winners and clean eating inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

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