Easy & Hearty Keto Italian Cabbage Skillet (Flavorful One-Pan Meal!)
Gather around for this Easy & Hearty Keto Italian Cabbage Skillet! Savory ground beef is cooked with aromatic seasonings, then simmered in a rich tomato-basil sauce with tender cabbage, creating a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal. This low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended, as some fat is desired for flavor and keto macros)
- 1 medium head of cabbage (approximately 2-2.5 lbs), cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (24-ounce) jar Rao’s Marinara Sauce (e.g., Tomato Basil flavor, or your preferred low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Very large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid (at least 12-inch diameter or 5-6 quart capacity)
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions:
- Brown Ground Beef: In a very large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains. Do not drain the grease at this stage, as it will contribute to the richness and flavor of the dish, and is good for keto macros.
- Season & Add Sauce: Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the entire jar of Rao’s Marinara Sauce. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, heating it through.
- Add Cabbage & Simmer: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to mix the cabbage thoroughly into the beef and sauce mixture. It may seem like a lot of cabbage at first, but it will cook down significantly.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium (a gentle simmer). Cover the skillet with a lid, but do not cover completely– leave a small gap for steam to escape.
- Simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until the cabbage has softened to your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a final stir. Serve warm straight from the skillet. Enjoy this easy and delicious Keto Italian Cabbage Skillet!
Tips for Success:
- Skillet Size is Key: A very large skillet or Dutch oven is essential to comfortably fit all the cabbage.
- Rao’s Sauce: Rao’s is widely recognized as a keto-friendly marinara sauce due to its low sugar content. Always double-check labels of any marinara sauce for added sugars.
- Cabbage Tenderness: The cooking time for the cabbage can be adjusted based on your preference for tenderness. Simmer longer if you prefer softer cabbage.
- Salt & Pepper: Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering, as the flavors will meld and concentrate.
- No Draining Grease (Initially): The recipe specifically calls to not drain the grease from the browned hamburger, which is beneficial for keto as it retains fat and flavor. If your ground beef is extremely fatty and there is excessive grease, you can drain a small amount after simmering the cabbage if you prefer.
- Customization: Feel free to sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley before serving for an extra touch. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Italian Cabbage Skillet is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef.
- Healthy Fats: Yes, from the ground beef (especially if not drained) and the olive oil in the marinara sauce.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using cabbage and a sugar-free marinara sauce instead of starchy ingredients.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the marinara sauce is sugar-free. All other listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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