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Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet

A vibrant and hearty Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet combining fresh cabbage, bold spices, and savory ingredients for a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with spices.
  5. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage begins to soften, about 7-10 minutes.
  6. Mix in diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Cook another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle cheese over the skillet, cover, and let sit for a few minutes until melted before serving.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro or your favorite toppings.

Notes

For extra heat, add jalapeños while sautéing the onions, or top with sour cream and sliced avocado for a creamier finish.