Go Back

Cowboy Cabbage

A hearty Southern skillet meal made with cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, and smoky spices — rustic Western comfort food.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium cabbage chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
Optional Add-Ins
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon pieces optional
  • 1 can pinto or kidney beans drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar optional topping

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stir in chopped cabbage and mix well.
  6. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
  7. Add optional bacon or beans if using and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

For extra flavor, add bacon or top with cheddar and melt before serving. Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.