Description
This Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet is a flavorful and healthy one-pan Mexican-inspired meal. Combining ground beef or turkey with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and warm spices, it’s a satisfying low-carb dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The optional cheese and fresh garnishes add richness and brightness to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
Tomato and Spices
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil if using lean ground turkey or extra-lean beef. Add the ground meat and break it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned all over. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cabbage: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens. Then stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains some texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Optional Cheese and Garnish: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, fresh avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright finish.
Notes
- This dish is low carb and keto-friendly, making it suitable for low-carb and gluten-free diets.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to increase flavor and spice level.
- If using ground turkey, adding olive oil helps prevent drying out during cooking.
- For an even quicker meal, pre-shredded cabbage can be used.
- The recipe can be easily doubled for larger families or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
