30-Minute One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet Bliss

You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, totally wiped out, just praying dinner will magically make itself? That’s exactly why this One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet became my weeknight hero. One pan, thirty minutes, and boom, you’ve got a hearty, veggie-packed meal that somehow tastes like you put way more effort into it than you actually did. I swear by this recipe on soccer practice nights, when my kids are hangry, and my patience is thin. The beef gets all caramelized and cozy with the sweet carrots, while the cabbage soaks up every bit of flavor from the broth. Minimal cleanup? Yes please. Maximum flavor? Absolutely. This is the kind of no-fuss dinner that keeps my family happy and my sanity intact.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet

Oh, where do I even start? This skillet meal is basically everything you want after a long day:

• Quick magic: From fridge to table in under 45 minutes, even faster if you prep veggies ahead!
• Comfort in a pan: Hearty beef mingling with sweet carrots and tender cabbage? Pure cozy vibes.
• One-pot wonder: That beautiful moment when dinner tastes amazing and you only wash one dish.

Seriously, this One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet is my go-to when life gets chaotic, but I still want something that feels homemade.

Ingredients for One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet

Grab these simple ingredients; most are probably already in your kitchen! The magic happens when they all cozy up together in the skillet.

For the Beef and Vegetables:

• 1 lb ground beef (I use 85% lean for flavor, but any works)
• 1 small onion, chopped (no need for perfect dice, rustic chunks are fine!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced if you’re in a rush)
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded (about 1/4 of a small head)
• 2 medium carrots, sliced into coins (peeled if you prefer)

For the Seasoning:

• 1 tsp salt (I use kosher, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet, your call)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or swap water in a pinch)

See? Nothing fancy, just good stuff that makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry, this recipe keeps it simple! You’ll just need:

• A large skillet (mine’s 12-inch, trust me, you want the space)
• A wooden spoon (or any sturdy spoon that won’t scratch your pan)

That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.

How to Make One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet

Alright, let’s dive into making this cozy One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet. It’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready before you know it.

Step 1: Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with your wooden spoon into small, crumbly bits. Don’t rush this part; those golden-brown edges mean extra flavor!

Step 2: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around with the beef for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. Your kitchen should smell incredible by now!

Step 3: Time for the veggies! Add the shredded cabbage and sliced carrots, giving everything a good stir. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, and you’ll see the cabbage start to wilt slightly, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pour in that beef broth, it’ll sizzle and steam, releasing all those delicious flavors. Give it another stir to combine everything.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This is when the magic happens: the carrots soften, the cabbage absorbs all the savory goodness, and the beef gets even more tender. Peek occasionally to stir and make sure nothing sticks.

And that’s it! Your One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet is ready to serve. The veggies should be tender but still have a bit of bite, and the broth will have thickened slightly into a light, flavorful sauce. Dig in!

Tips for the Best One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet

Want to take your skillet from good to wow? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:

• Brown that beef like you mean it: Don’t stir too much, let it get a proper sear for maximum flavor. Those crispy bits are gold!
• Broth too thin? Remove the lid for the last 5 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Too thick? Splash in more broth or water.
• Slice carrots thin: About 1/4-inch coins cook evenly and soak up all that savory goodness.
• Taste before serving: Sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt or paprika at the end, trust your taste buds!

Little tweaks make this humble skillet taste restaurant-worthy.

Variations for Your One-Pot Beef Skillet

This recipe is like your favorite jeans, super adaptable! Here’s how I mix it up:

• Turkey twist: Swap ground beef for turkey (just add an extra splash of broth, it’s leaner).
• Potato power: Toss in diced potatoes when you add the carrots for extra heartiness.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce kicks things up nicely.

The beauty of this One-Pot Beef Skillet? It welcomes whatever you’ve got in the fridge!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve this skillet is with a hunk of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. If I’m feeling extra hungry, I’ll spoon it over a mound of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes. Leftovers? Even better! The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch taste like you slaved over it (our little secret).

Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, I always go for the stovetop, just splash in a tablespoon of water or broth and warm it gently over medium-low heat. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the stove keeps those veggies from getting mushy. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers, but remember, these are estimates (my measuring cups aren’t lab-grade precision tools!). Per serving of this One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet, you’re looking at:

• 320 calories – hearty but not heavy
• 24g protein – thanks to that beef!
• 18g fat (7g saturated) – comfort food needs some richness
• 12g carbs with 4g fiber – those veggies pull their weight

Plus, you’re getting a solid dose of vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the cabbage. Not bad for a one-pan wonder, right?

FAQs About One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet

Can I freeze this skillet meal?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just add a splash of broth when warming to bring it back to life.

What can I use instead of beef broth?
No beef broth? No problem! Chicken or vegetable broth works great, or even just water with an extra pinch of salt and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth. I’ve even used mushroom broth for an earthy twist!

Can I make this vegetarian?
Totally! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils (cook them first), and use veggie broth. The cabbage and carrots still shine as the stars of the show.

Why is my cabbage watery?
Ah, probably didn’t cook it long enough! Cabbage releases moisture as it cooks. Just simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Next time, slice it thinner too, which helps it cook evenly.

Can I add other veggies?
Please do! This skillet welcomes zucchini, bell peppers, or even frozen peas tossed in at the end. Just adjust cooking times based on how tender your additions are.

Alright, friend, now it’s your turn! Whip up this One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet and let me know how it goes. Did you add extra garlic? Swap the paprika for chili powder? I want to hear all your tasty tweaks! Snap a pic of your masterpiece (even if it’s a bit messy, mine usually is) and tag me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing this humble skillet turn into someone else’s weeknight lifesaver. Now go grab that wooden spoon, dinner’s waiting! For more inspiration on easy meals, check out Recipes Loop.

One-Pot Beef, Cabbage & Carrot Braised Skillet

A simple and hearty one-pot meal with beef, cabbage, and carrots.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups cabbage shredded
• 2 medium carrots sliced

For the Seasoning

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Equipment

• large skillet
• wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the shredded cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pour in the beef broth.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Notes

Serve hot as a standalone meal or with crusty bread.