Keto Ground Beef & Charred Cabbage Skillet with Lime is a low-carb one-pan dinner made with deeply browned ground beef and smoky charred cabbage. Finished with fresh lime juice, this keto-friendly recipe delivers bold flavor without rice, noodles, or added sugar—perfect for quick weeknight meals.
About This Recipe
Keto Ground Beef & Charred Cabbage Skillet with Lime is a simple, bold low-carb dinner built around high heat and minimal ingredients. Ground beef is browned until deeply flavorful, while cabbage is cooked hot enough to develop charred edges and a light smoky taste instead of turning soft and watery.
The cabbage is added directly to the skillet so it absorbs the beef drippings as it cooks. This creates a savory base with natural sweetness from the caramelized cabbage. Garlic and spices keep the flavor straightforward and balanced without overpowering the dish.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the beef. The result is a clean, satisfying skillet meal that feels hearty but not heavy.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking for a simple keto dinner with real texture and bold flavor. Everything cooks in one pan and comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan keto dinner
- Bold, smoky cabbage flavor
- No rice or noodles
- High-protein and filling
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Clean, simple ingredients
- Fresh lime finish
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges and thick ribbons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and cook until deeply browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add cabbage to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer.
- Cook without stirring for 3–4 minutes to allow the cabbage to char.
- Stir and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until cabbage is tender with browned edges.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~470
- Fat: ~35 g
- Protein: ~32 g
- Net Carbs: ~6 g
FAQ
- Can I use red cabbage instead?
Yes, but green cabbage chars more evenly. - Does this reheat well?
Yes, it reheats well in a skillet or microwave. - Is this spicy?
No, it’s mild unless you add chili flakes. - Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it stores well for several days.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add chili flakes for heat
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Add a splash of beef broth if needed
- Finish with fresh cilantro
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on its own
- Pair with sautéed zucchini
- Add a simple avocado side
Keto Ground Beef & Charred Cabbage Skillet with Lime
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small head green cabbage (cut into wedges and thick ribbons)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
Instructions
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and cook until deeply browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add cabbage to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer.
- Cook without stirring for 3–4 minutes to allow the cabbage to char.
- Stir and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until cabbage is tender with browned edges.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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