This quick and easy cabbage and potato skillet dinner is the perfect weeknight meal that combines hearty vegetables, flavorful minced meat, and creamy eggs topped with melted cheese. It’s not only simple to make but also delicious, with layers of texture and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet dinner is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your hunger without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty skillet dinner:
Vegetables:
- ½ Cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 4 Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Carrot (grated)
- 2 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
- 1 Spring Onion (for garnish)
Meat and Dairy:
- 500g Minced Meat (beef, or chicken)
- 3 Eggs
- 100 ml Milk
- 100g Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, grated)
Seasoning and Oil:
- 1 tsp Italian Herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Garlic Powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Butter or Olive Oil (for sautéing)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing and preparing all the vegetables. Thinly slice ½ of the cabbage, peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, finely chop the onion, and grate the carrot. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs and 100 ml of milk until well combined. Season the egg mixture with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Minced Meat
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the minced meat and break it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Season the meat with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian herbs, and dried garlic powder for a flavorful base.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté for another 2 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Toss the diced potatoes into the skillet with the meat and onions. Stir well to coat the potatoes in the meat juices and seasonings. Let the potatoes cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add the sliced cabbage and grated carrot to the skillet. Stir to combine, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while retaining some crunch.
Step 4: Pour in the Egg Mixture
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire skillet. Gently stir to ensure the eggs coat all the ingredients. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggs to set and thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Garnish
Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the skillet and cover with a lid. Let the cheese melt into the eggs and vegetables for 1-2 minutes, creating a gooey, delicious topping.
Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion for a pop of color and added flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the cabbage and potato skillet hot, straight from the pan. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a slice of crusty bread for an extra satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Tips for Making the Perfect Skillet Dinner
1. Cut the Vegetables Evenly
To ensure all the vegetables cook at the same rate, make sure to cut the potatoes and other vegetables into evenly sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some from being overdone while others are undercooked.
2. Season as You Go
Seasoning each component throughout the cooking process ensures that every layer of the dish is flavorful. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
3. Use a Large Skillet
Using a large skillet will give the ingredients enough room to cook evenly without overcrowding the pan. If the pan is too small, the ingredients may steam instead of sauté, which will affect the texture and flavor.
4. Watch the Eggs
When adding the egg and milk mixture, reduce the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs too quickly. You want the eggs to create a creamy, smooth texture rather than becoming dry and scrambled. Keep the heat low and stir gently to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables for this recipe?
Yes! You can customize this recipe by adding or substituting vegetables. Some great options include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the vegetable’s texture.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. However, be sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet, as frozen vegetables may release excess moisture while cooking.
3. Can I make this dish without eggs?
Yes, if you prefer not to use eggs, you can skip that step and add a little extra cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to create a similar texture. You can also replace the eggs with a chickpea flour mixture or a plant-based egg substitute for a vegan version.
4. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can use any ground meat you like, such as turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the minced meat. This will give the dish a nice spicy kick.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat before serving.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Cabbage and Potato Skillet Dinner is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. With tender potatoes, savory meat, crisp vegetables, and a creamy egg mixture topped with gooey cheese, it’s the perfect one-pan dish for busy nights or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a simple, comforting dinner, this skillet meal has you covered. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this easy dinner, and feel free to get creative by customizing it with your favorite vegetables and spices!