🥬 High-Protein Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add aromatics:
   Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Season:
   Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Add tomatoes:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cabbage:
   Add the chopped cabbage gradually. Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Toss everything together.
6. Cook:
   Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
7. Reduce the sauce:
   Remove the lid and cook for another 3–5 minutes if there is excess liquid. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
8. Finish:
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

💪 High-Protein Nutrition

Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings and 95% lean beef:

• Calories: ~350–400
• Protein: ~30–35 g
• Carbohydrates: ~18–22 g
• Fat: ~15–18 g
• Fiber: ~5–7 g

🔥 Extra-Protein Option

For an even higher-protein version, use 1¼ lb (570 g) lean ground beef instead of 1 lb, or add ½ cup cooked lentils to the skillet.