If you’re craving something bursting with flavor but still want to keep it light and healthy, you’re going to adore this Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe. It brings together savory ground beef, tender cabbage, zesty taco seasoning, and melty cheese in one skillet for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. Perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep winner, this recipe balances spice, freshness, and comforting textures without loading you up on carbs. Let me take you through every delicious detail so you can whip up this tasty skillet in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Our ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, yet every item plays a crucial role in putting together this flavorful and hearty skillet. From the meaty richness of ground beef to the crisp cabbage and the punchy spice of taco seasoning, you’ll see how simple components create magic in your kitchen.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein-packed base that adds juicy, savory depth to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil): Essential for sautéing and ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
- ½ cup salsa: Brings tang, spice, and moisture, dialing up the bold taco flavors.
- 4-5 cups cabbage, shredded: This adds crunch, volume, and a wonderful low-carb alternative to tortillas.
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning: A flavorful blend of spices that pulls all the ingredients together with authentic taco flair.
- 3 tablespoons water: Used to help the taco seasoning infuse the beef and cabbage mixture perfectly.
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or other cheese of choice): Melts into a gooey, comforting topping that makes this skillet irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance every element.
- ½ cup canned black beans: Adds additional texture, fiber, and a subtle earthiness to boost nutrition.
- Sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, pico de gallo: Optional garnishes that bring freshness, creaminess, and vibrant color to each serving.
How to Make Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until nicely browned with no pink left, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your dish with rich, caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Drain any excess fat from the beef if needed, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water. Stir well to coat every piece of meat and let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the spices to mingle and intensify the taco vibes.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Black Beans
Now, toss in the shredded cabbage and black beans. Stir everything together until the cabbage starts to wilt, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The cabbage softens just enough to soak up all the taco-seasoned goodness, keeping the dish light and crunchy.
Step 4: Mix in Salsa
Pour in the salsa and give it one last thorough stir. The salsa adds a fresh, tangy brightness, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly. Let it simmer together for a couple more minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid to let the cheese melt beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey blanket that’s nothing short of comfort food perfection. This finishing touch brings the whole dish together in a glorious cheesy hug.
How to Serve Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Once your skillet is hot and bubbly with melted cheese, don’t hold back on the garnishes. Add dollops of sour cream for a creamy cool contrast, sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh bite, and scatter diced tomatoes or a spoonful of pico de gallo to add juicy bursts of flavor. If you love some heat, thin slices of jalapeños or a scoop of guacamole will elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe is designed as a complete meal, but if you want sides, think simple and fresh. A crisp green salad or some roasted veggies pair wonderfully without overloading carbs. Alternatively, you can serve with cauliflower rice or a light avocado salad to complement the taco flavors while sticking to that low-carb theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your family or guests? Try serving this skillet recipe in small cast iron skillets or individual ovenproof dishes for personal portions. You can also scoop the mixture into lettuce wraps for a crunchy handheld meal or spoon it over crispy tortilla chips for a flavorful taco salad twist. The versatility here really shines!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your skillet cools to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. It will stay fresh up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to go a step further, this dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a wonderful meal prep option when you want something tasty ready to reheat on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in a covered dish for 2 to 3 minutes, adding fresh toppings after reheating to maintain that fresh flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great in this Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe and make it even lighter. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and watch the seasonings to keep that bold taco flavor intact.
Is this recipe truly low carb?
Yes. The cabbage replaces traditional carb-heavy tortillas or rice. While black beans do contain some carbs, their fiber content lowers their net carb impact, making this dish a delicious low-carb option overall.
Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
With a few swaps, yes! Replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein or crumbled tofu, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use vegetable broth if you add any liquid to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is the dish? Can I control the heat?
The spice level mostly depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. For a milder version, go easy on the jalapeños and select a mild salsa. If you love heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
Is it okay to skip the beans for even fewer carbs?
Definitely! The beans add texture and fiber but if you want to reduce carbs further, leaving them out won’t affect the overall taste too much. You could add extra cabbage or some diced bell peppers for color and crunch instead.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe, I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals for busy nights or anytime you need a comforting, flavorful dish without the carb overload. It’s simple, versatile, and offers endless possibilities for personalization that make each bite exciting. So grab your skillet, invite some vibrant flavors to your table, and enjoy every bite of this hearty yet light taco skillet sensation!
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Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and combined with shredded cabbage, black beans, and salsa, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Serve with your choice of classic taco toppings like sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, and pico de gallo for a satisfying, low-carb twist on traditional tacos.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4–5 cups cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup canned black beans
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ cup salsa
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fats and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or other cheese of choice)
Toppings
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Cabbage and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded cabbage, taco seasoning, and water. Mix everything together, then cover the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has softened.
- Incorporate Black Beans and Salsa: Add the canned black beans and salsa to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld and everything is heated through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Top the taco skillet servings with your choice of sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, and pico de gallo for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for different flavor profiles.
- To keep it very low carb, omit the black beans or limit their quantity.
- Adjust the taco seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
- This skillet is great for meal prepping and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Skillet Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
