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High Protein Cabbage Taco Skillet - A Quick, Satisfying Weeknight Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Lean ground turkey or lean ground beef (1 to 1.25 pounds)
  • Green cabbage (about 1 small head or 6 cups, thinly sliced)
  • Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
  • Bell pepper (1 medium, any color, diced)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  • Low-sodium chicken or beef broth (1/2 cup)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • Shredded cheese (1 cup; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • Lime (1, for juice)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Chili powder (2 teaspoons)
  • Ground cumin (1.5 teaspoons)
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Oregano (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Salt (3/4 teaspoon; adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, 1/4 teaspoon)

Method
 

  1. Prep your produce. Core and thinly slice the cabbage. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Keep everything close to the stove so the process moves fast.
  2. Brown the meat. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Add oil, then the ground turkey or beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving 1–2 teaspoons for flavor.
  3. Season the base. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat. Add the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize—it deepens the flavor.
  4. Soften aromatics. Add onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Steam the cabbage. Add the sliced cabbage and the broth. Toss well, then cover and cook 5 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not soggy.
  6. Finish with lime and cheese. Squeeze in the lime juice and taste for seasoning. Stir, then sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover for 1–2 minutes to melt, or broil briefly if your skillet is oven-safe.
  7. Garnish and serve. Top with cilantro and any extras you like. Serve straight from the skillet, or spoon into tortillas, over rice, or onto a bed of greens.