Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
The Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly) is a delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, nutritious meal. This dish combines the hearty flavors of taco night with the health benefits of cabbage, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even casual gatherings. With its vibrant mix of ingredients, it’s not only low in carbs but also loaded with flavor and texture. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, ensuring you can whip up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of salsa and taco seasoning gives this dish a bold taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
- Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs while being filling and satisfying.
- Nutritious: Packed with cabbage and beans for added fiber and vitamins.

Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet, you need some essential tools for efficient cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the ground beef.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1/2 cup of salsa
- 4-5 cups of cabbage (shredded)
- 3 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese (shredded, or other cheese)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup canned black beans
Optional Garnishes
- sour cream
- green onions
- tomatoes
- jalapeno
- guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
How to Make Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Mix in the salsa and taco seasoning until well combined.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Beans
Add shredded cabbage, black beans, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover to allow the cheese to melt.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve warm garnished with sour cream, green onions, avocado, or any favorite toppings you like! Enjoy your flavorful Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet!
How to Serve Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
The Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty dinner or a fun meal for guests, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole enhance the dish’s richness.
Serve with Tortillas
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas.
- Low-Carb Tortillas: For those who enjoy tortillas, opt for low-carb varieties for a keto-friendly option.
Pair with Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness.
- Hot Sauce: If you like it spicy, drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the skillet.
How to Perfect Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
To ensure your Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.
- Choose Quality Meat: Use high-quality ground beef for better flavor and texture. Grass-fed options are often richer in nutrients.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Ensure you use enough taco seasoning to fully flavor the meat and vegetables; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Cut Cabbage Evenly: Slice cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cabbage while simmering; overcooking can make it mushy. Aim for tender yet firm cabbage.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella works well, consider trying pepper jack or cheddar for added flavor.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving; adjust salt and spices as needed for perfect seasoning.
Best Side Dishes for Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
Complementing your Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly, adding healthy fats and flavor.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb rice option that soaks up flavors while adding volume to your meal.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles provide a great texture contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add crunch and a slightly bitter note that complements the skillet.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This fresh salad combines corn with lime and cilantro, offering sweetness against savory flavors.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: A cheesy side that mimics comfort food while keeping it keto-friendly.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides refreshing crunch and balances the heaviness of the skillet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your dish is delicious and satisfying.
- Overcooking the Cabbage: Cooking cabbage too long can make it mushy. Aim for 12 minutes of simmering for perfect tenderness.
- Using the Wrong Cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Opt for mozzarella or other melting varieties to get that gooey texture.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and season can lead to bland flavors. Always check seasoning levels before serving.
- Ignoring Ingredient Substitutions: Sticking rigidly to ingredients can limit flavor. Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or use different beans based on preference.
- Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Rushing can lead to mistakes. Take time to chop and measure ingredients before you start cooking for smoother preparation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make the Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly) vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 3 servings, perfect for a small family meal.
What toppings go well with the Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)?
Popular toppings include sour cream, green onions, guacamole, and fresh tomatoes for added flavor.
Can I use different types of cabbage?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is standard, red cabbage or Napa cabbage also works well in this dish.
Final Thoughts
The Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet is not only quick but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for dinner. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have at home. Enjoy this delightful meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle!
Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
The Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly) is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the essence of taco night right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines seasoned ground beef with shredded cabbage, black beans, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal that’s low in carbs but high in taste. In under 30 minutes, you can create a nutritious meal that’s not only delicious but also customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream and avocado. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining guests, this skillet dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 4–5 cups shredded cabbage
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup canned black beans
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in salsa and taco seasoning until well mixed.
- Add shredded cabbage, black beans, and water; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover. Simmer for about 12 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese on top; cover to melt the cheese.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of the skillet (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg