Transform your dinner routine with a remarkably easy and incredibly flavorful dish: Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet. This family-friendly recipe brings the hearty comfort of Irish cuisine to your table in a low-carb, keto-compliant format, ready in just 45 minutes. Forget the long simmering times often associated with corned beef; this skillet version is designed for speed without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re planning a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal or simply seeking a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to deliver a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious experience that will become a staple in your home.
Is Corned Beef Keto-Friendly? Absolutely!
One of the most common questions when adapting traditional recipes to a ketogenic lifestyle is whether the core ingredient fits the macros. For corned beef, the answer is a resounding yes! Corned beef, in its purest form, is inherently keto-friendly. It’s primarily beef brisket that has been cured in a brine solution with a generous amount of salt and various spices, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds. Crucially, this traditional curing process does not involve adding significant carbs or sugars, making it an excellent protein source for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Our Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet maintains this low-carb integrity. Each satisfying serving contains approximately 5 grams of net carbs. The majority of these minimal carbs come from the supplementary ingredients that create the dish’s irresistible creamy texture and vibrant flavor profile: full-fat cream cheese, rich heavy cream, and a small quantity of matchstick carrots. These ingredients not only contribute to the dish’s deliciousness but also provide essential healthy fats, which are crucial for satiety and energy on a keto diet.
While corned beef is famously associated with St. Patrick’s Day, thanks to its deep Irish roots and celebratory status, this creamy skillet recipe is far too good to be reserved for just one day a year. It’s a versatile dish that deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation, offering comfort and flavor any time you crave a hearty, low-carb meal. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic without compromising your dietary goals, proving that keto cooking can be both simple and incredibly rewarding.
For those looking to expand their Irish-inspired keto feast, consider complementing this skillet meal with other delightful low-carb options. Explore keto corned beef hash with radishes for a breakfast or brunch treat, or whip up a satisfying low-carb Reuben sandwich for a quick and delicious lunch. These options ensure that you can enjoy the traditional flavors you love, all while staying perfectly on track with your keto lifestyle.
The Health Benefits of Corned Beef and Cabbage
Beyond its delicious taste and keto compatibility, this creamy corned beef and cabbage skillet offers a surprising array of health benefits, making it a smart choice for a balanced diet. Beef, particularly corned beef, is an exceptional source of high-quality protein. This complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting enzyme production, and maintaining overall bodily functions. For active individuals or those aiming to increase their protein intake on a ketogenic diet, beef provides a dense and bioavailable source of this vital macronutrient. It’s also rich in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins (B12, niacin, B6), which are crucial for energy metabolism, immune function, and red blood cell formation.
Cabbage, the other star of this dish, is a nutritional powerhouse in its own right. It’s remarkably low in carbohydrates and calories, yet packed with dietary fiber. This fiber is instrumental for digestive health, promoting regularity, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Furthermore, cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and a wealth of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, including sulforaphane and indoles. These compounds are known for their disease-fighting properties, potentially reducing the risk of chronic illnesses and supporting cellular health.
This keto skillet recipe further enhances its nutritional profile with the addition of healthy fats from cream cheese and heavy cream. These dairy products not only contribute to the dish’s rich, creamy texture but also provide essential fatty acids that promote satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing the temptation to snack between meals. The small amount of carrots adds a touch of natural sweetness and additional vitamins. By combining these nutrient-dense ingredients, you create a meal that is not only delicious and comforting but also highly beneficial for your overall health and well-being, perfectly aligning with the principles of a nutritious ketogenic lifestyle.
Crafting the Perfect Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet
The beauty of this Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet lies in its ability to transform a traditional, often robust, dish into a wonderfully creamy and balanced meal. Typically, the spice packet that accompanies corned beef is quite potent, providing a strong, singular flavor profile. However, when developing this skillet meal, the goal was to create something with a richer, more complex, and creamy texture that still honored the classic taste.
To achieve this, we introduce a luxurious sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and a splash of chicken broth. These dairy components play a crucial role in mellowing out the inherent pungency and intensity of the corned beef spices, creating a smoother, more harmonious flavor. This creamy base ensures that every bite is rich and comforting, without being overwhelmingly spicy. However, to reintroduce a delightful kick and a touch of sharpness that beautifully cuts through the richness, a spoonful of horseradish sauce is added. Horseradish provides that characteristic zesty warmth that complements corned beef so well, elevating the overall taste experience.
The great thing about horseradish is its versatility in terms of heat. If you prefer milder, creamier flavors, you can easily reduce the amount of horseradish you incorporate. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. For those who love a fiery culinary adventure and enjoy a stronger, more piquant dish, feel free to add more horseradish until it reaches your desired level of spice. This customization allows you to tailor the recipe perfectly to your family’s preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys this creamy keto corned beef and cabbage skillet.
Mastering Your Corned Beef Skillet: Tips for Success
Creating this delicious creamy keto corned beef and cabbage skillet is straightforward, especially with the right tools and techniques. For skillet dinners, a cast iron skillet is always my top recommendation. Its superior heat retention and even heat distribution ensure that your ingredients cook uniformly and develop a rich, caramelized flavor. A significant advantage of cast iron is its oven-safe nature, allowing you to easily transfer the skillet from the stovetop to the oven to keep the meal warm, or even to finish cooking if desired. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a large, heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet will also work effectively, just ensure it can accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
In addition to your chosen skillet, you’ll find a food processor or an immersion blender incredibly useful for preparing the creamy sauce. Blending the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and horseradish sauce until perfectly smooth is key to achieving that luxurious texture. While you can certainly whisk these ingredients by hand, it will take considerably more time and effort to achieve a lump-free consistency. A blender or food processor makes this step quick and effortless, ensuring your sauce is silky smooth and beautifully integrated into the dish.
Preparation is key for a quick cook time. Ensure your corned beef is already cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces before you begin. For the cabbage, aiming for a “crisp-tender” texture is ideal – not too soft, not too crunchy. This is achieved by simmering it gently in chicken broth. When it comes to leftovers, this dish stores wonderfully. Simply transfer any remaining creamy keto corned beef and cabbage to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Perfect Pairings for Your Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet is designed to be a complete and satisfying meal all on its own, packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. However, if you’re looking to elevate your dining experience or simply crave a little something extra on the side, there are plenty of fantastic keto-friendly options that will complement the rich flavors of the dish beautifully.
For a delightful addition that’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce, consider serving some fluffy keto biscuits on the side. Their tender texture and savory flavor create a wonderful contrast. Another excellent choice for a comforting bread-like accompaniment would be easy keto garlic knots, offering a garlicky punch that pairs wonderfully with the savory beef and cabbage. If you’re looking for something lighter but equally satisfying, a side of creamy mashed cauliflower would be ideal, providing a smooth, earthy counterpoint to the robust main dish.
To complete your meal, why not indulge in a refreshing, low-carb dessert? A vibrant keto mint chocolate chip ice cream would be the perfect finish, especially if you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply want a cool, minty treat. For beverages, consider a crisp glass of unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime, or even a low-carb beer if you wish to toast to the occasion. These thoughtful pairings will transform your keto corned beef and cabbage skillet into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
This recipe provides all the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create a truly delicious and satisfying Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet. You’ll find the precise measurements and detailed cooking process in the comprehensive recipe card below.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 5 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
Cooked corned beef cut into pieces
Chopped cabbage
Matchstick carrots
Chicken broth
Minced garlic
Cream cheese softened
Heavy whipping cream
Horseradish sauce
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chopped cabbage and chicken broth into a large skillet over medium heat on the stove.
- Cover the skillet and simmer the cabbage until it reaches a crisp-tender consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the matchstick carrots and minced garlic, then sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the carrots begin to soften slightly.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and horseradish sauce. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the cabbage and carrots. Stir thoroughly to ensure all vegetables are well coated.
- Finally, add the cooked corned beef pieces to the skillet. Stir again to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then continue to sauté for a few minutes until the entire dish is heated through and the flavors have melded. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Fix a family-friendly and super-quick Irish recipe that’s naturally low-carb. Keto corned beef and cabbage is ready in 45 minutes.
Dinner, Main Course
keto corned beef and cabbage
Ingredients
-
3
cups
Cooked Corned Beef
cut into pieces -
3
cups
Chopped Cabbage -
1/3
cup
Matchstick Carrots -
1/4
cup
Chicken Broth -
2
tsp
Minced Garlic -
3
ounces
Cream Cheese
softened -
1/3
cup
Heavy Cream -
1
tbsp
Horseradish Sauce
Instructions
Place the cabbage and chicken broth into a large skillet over medium heat on the stove.
Cover, and simmer until the cabbage is a crisp tender.
Mix in the matchstick carrots and garlic, and saute until the carrots begin to soften.
Add the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream and horseradish sauce to a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, and stir to combine.
Mix in the meat, and stir to combine well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and saute until heated through.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 255 Per Serving
Net Carbs: 5 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Delicious Keto Beef Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Creamy Keto Corned Beef and Cabbage Skillet, then you’re in for a treat! The world of keto-friendly beef recipes is vast and varied, offering endless possibilities for satisfying meals that align with your low-carb goals. Beef is a versatile protein that can be transformed into countless dishes, perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and more elaborate weekend feasts. Here are some more fantastic keto beef recipes you should definitely try next, designed to make your lunches and dinners taste incredible while keeping you perfectly on track:
- Keto Beef Bulgogi: Experience the sweet and savory flavors of traditional Korean bulgogi, reimagined for a low-carb diet. Tender slices of marinated beef are quickly cooked, perfect for a flavorful stir-fry or lettuce wraps.
- Keto Instant Pot Beef Brisket: Achieve melt-in-your-mouth tender beef brisket in a fraction of the time with your Instant Pot. This recipe is ideal for creating succulent, fall-apart beef that’s perfect for shredding or slicing, making meal prep a breeze.
- Keto Korean Beef Bowl: Enjoy a vibrant and nutritious meal with this low-carb take on a Korean beef bowl. Packed with seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables, it’s a quick and easy dish that bursts with umami flavor.
- Keto Beef and Broccoli: A classic takeout favorite made keto-compliant! This recipe features tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets coated in a rich, savory, and sugar-free sauce. It’s faster and healthier than ordering in!
- Keto Beef Stew: Warm and comforting, this hearty keto beef stew is brimming with tender chunks of beef and low-carb vegetables in a thick, savory broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening, nourishing and deeply satisfying.
Each of these recipes demonstrates how easy it is to keep your keto diet exciting and full of flavor. Don’t limit your culinary adventures; dive into these delicious options and discover new favorites for your low-carb journey!