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Paleo Cabbage Skillet: A Delicious Twist for Your Dinner Table
If you’re anything like me, you know that finding comfort food that fits within a health-conscious diet can feel tricky at times. Enter the Paleo Cabbage Skillet! This dish has become my go-to whenever I crave something hearty and satisfying without losing track of my health goals. It’s quick, easy, and oh so tasty.
What Is Paleo Cabbage Skillet?
So, what’s the deal with this Paleo Cabbage Skillet, you ask? Essentially, it’s a one-pan wonder that brings together the amazing flavors of sautéed cabbage along with other nourishing ingredients like ground meat and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your kitchen arsenal!
Ingredients Overview for Paleo Cabbage Skillet
To whip up this scrumptious dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cabbage: The star of the show! Choose green or savoy for a tender crunch.
- Ground Meat: You can go with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. Pick your favorite!
- Onion: A medium onion adds a sweet flavor base. Yellow or white works perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves take this dish from good to absolutely wonderful.
- Carrots: For a touch of sweetness and color. You can substitute with bell peppers if you like.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it provides healthy fats. Coconut oil is a tasty alternative too.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings—don’t forget to adjust to your taste!
- Optional Spices: A bit of paprika or red pepper flakes adds some zing if you play it right!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Paleo Cabbage Skillet
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your cabbage, onions, garlic, and carrots. Take your time here; the more evenly chopped, the better they cook!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in Ground Meat: Toss the ground meat into the pan and break it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until it’s browned all over.
4. Incorporate Cabbage and Carrots: Once your meat is cooked, stir in the cabbage and carrots. Mix thoroughly, ensuring everything is coated with the flavors from earlier.
5. Cook Down: Continue stirring and cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the cabbage wilts and softens. Feel free to add a splash of water to help it steam if needed.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you’re brave, sprinkle in those optional spices for a kick!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile! You can enjoy it straight from the skillet, but if you feel like jazzing it up, serve it with a side of avocado or a dollop of homemade guacamole. It even tastes fabulous with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. You might want to consider pairing it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Paleo Cabbage Skillet
- Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Don’t rush the cooking of the meat—let it brown for that lovely flavor.
- Feel free to throw in leftover veggies you have hanging around. They’ll only add to the yummy factor!
- For an extra crunch, try topping with toasted nuts or seeds before serving.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! It’s a great option for meal prep. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Q2: Is this dish Whole30 compliant?
Yes! It fits right into the Whole30 guidelines, making it a perfect choice for those on that journey.
Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
For sure! Swap out the meat for tofu or tempeh and add in some beans for protein.
Q4: How can I make it spicy?
Add in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for that extra kick!
Why You’ll Love it
The Paleo Cabbage Skillet is not just a meal; it’s like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It checks all the boxes: tasty, easy to whip up, and packed with nutrients. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, perfect for weeknight dinners! Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one skillet.
Behind The Scenes
As I experimented with this Paleo Cabbage Skillet, I had a hilariously chaotic session—one minute I was chopping veggies, and the next, I knocked over the spice jar, sending a cascade of paprika flying everywhere. But hey, even with that little mess, I learned that cooking can be playful and fun. After several iterations, I finally got it just right, and now it’s a staple in my home. I’d love for you to check out my cooking journey and more fun recipes on my Pinterest page here. You won’t be disappointed!
Paleo Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage Choose green or savoy for a tender crunch.
- 1 lb ground meat Use beef, turkey, or chicken.
- 1 medium onion Yellow or white onions work well.
- 3 cloves garlic Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
- 2 medium carrots Can substitute with bell peppers.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for sautéing; can substitute with coconut oil.
- to taste salt Essential for seasoning.
- to taste pepper Essential for seasoning.
Optional Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a bit of zing.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes For a spicy kick if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the cabbage, onions, garlic, and carrots evenly.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks; season with salt and pepper until browned.
- Stir in cabbage and carrots, mixing thoroughly to coat.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until cabbage wilts; add a splash of water if necessary to help it steam.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; add optional spices if desired.
