Cabbage Taco Skillet

This Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet is a delicious, keto-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese, this one-pan meal delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors in just 35 minutes. It’s an easy, satisfying, and customizable dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Keto-friendly and low-carb – Cabbage replaces traditional tortillas for a healthy alternative.
  • One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup required.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 35 minutes.
  • Flavor-packed – Taco seasoning and salsa bring delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
  • Customizable – Add your favorite toppings for extra texture and taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 4-5 cups shredded cabbage
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or other cheese)
  • ½ cup canned black beans
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapeños
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo

Directions

  1. Cook the ground beef – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add seasonings – Stir in the salsa and taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef.
  3. Add cabbage and beans – Add shredded cabbage, black beans, and water. Stir to combine, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Simmer – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover and let simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
  5. Melt the cheese – Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture. Cover and let the cheese melt.
  6. Garnish and serve – Top with sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or any of your favorite toppings. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 3
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Chicken Option – Swap ground beef for shredded or ground chicken.
  • Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
  • More Veggies – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
  • Vegetarian Version – Replace ground beef with extra black beans or a plant-based protein.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s low in carbs, with cabbage replacing tortillas for a keto-friendly taco alternative.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp work well in this recipe.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella is great, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add more taco seasoning, crushed red pepper, or chopped jalapeños.

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting too soft?

Simmer just until tender, about 12 minutes, to maintain some texture.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This dish stores well and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

Enjoy it on its own or serve with avocado slices, a side salad, or cauliflower rice.

Can I omit the beans for fewer carbs?

Yes, simply leave out the black beans to reduce the carb content.

What type of salsa should I use?

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa—mild, medium, or spicy, depending on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Taco Skillet is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that brings all the flavors of tacos without the carbs. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and easily customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a tasty, low-carb meal, this skillet dish is sure to become a household favorite!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cabbage Taco Skillet

Cabbage Taco Skillet

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course One-Pan Meal
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex Keto-Friendly
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Low-Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet is a quick, keto-friendly meal packed with flavorful ground beef, taco seasoning, and melty cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it as is or add your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños for an extra kick!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef

Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)

Vegetables

  • 45 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Condiments & Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
  • 3 tablespoons water

Dairy

  • 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or preferred cheese)

Optional Garnishes & Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add Seasonings
    • Stir in salsa and taco seasoning, mixing well.
  3. Add Vegetables & Beans
    • Add shredded cabbage, black beans, and water, stirring to combine.
    • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Simmer Until Tender
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
    • Cover and let simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens.
  5. Melt the Cheese
    • Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
    • Cover for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
  6. Garnish & Serve
    • Top with sour cream, green onions, avocado, or your favorite Tex-Mex toppings.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
  • Boost the protein: Add extra beef or shredded chicken.
  • Spice it up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • For a lower-carb option, omit black beans.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *