There was a moment not long ago when my youngest daughter asked for something different but comforting for dinner. She had just come home after a long day at school craving flavors that felt like a warm hug but with a little kick. That’s when I decided to make my Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet. This dish has become one of those family meal wins that always surprises me with how much everyone enjoys it. The combination of tender cabbage cooked with vibrant Tex Mex spices brings everyone to the table in a way nothing else quite does.
When I first started making this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet, it took some trial and error to get the balance of spices and textures just right. I wanted it to be spicy enough to keep things interesting but mild enough for my picky eaters. Over time I learned to tweak the ingredients and timing so it’s now a quick go-to recipe for busy evenings. The beauty of this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet is how it turns simple vegetables into something that feels special and full of flavor.
What really makes this recipe stand out is how it brings a Tex Mex twist to a classic cabbage saute recipe. It’s different enough to catch the attention of my family but familiar enough to keep them coming back for more. Whether we serve it as a side or add protein for a full meal, this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet sparks lively chats around the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try making this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet yourself and see how it can make your family meals feel more connected and delicious.
Plus, if your family loves this, they will also enjoy the Tex Mex beef and cabbage one pot dish recipe I found on a great Facebook group post. It’s another fantastic way to bring that Tex Mex cabbage stir fry vibe with a little twist in protein and simplicity.
What You’ll Need
Here’s exactly what I use to make my all-time favorite Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet. Trust me, this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (for a mild spicy skillet)
- 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if possible)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish

You’ll find everything for this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet at your regular grocery store, usually in the produce and spice aisles. Look for fresh, firm cabbage and bright peppers. For the best Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet, I recommend using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a punch of flavor.
This Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet is forgiving if you need to swap out some ingredients. If you can’t find poblano peppers, bell peppers work well with less heat. You can also add diced tomatoes or corn to stretch the Tex Mex vegetable dish further.
My family prefers when I use a little lime juice at the end to bring all the flavors together with a fresh zing. It really makes the Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet shine.
For those looking to add protein, I sometimes include cooked ground beef or spicy sausage, inspired by dishes like the sausage, potato, and cabbage skillet fry shared on Homesick Texan. It’s a hearty way to turn this cabbage saute recipe into a full meal.
How to Make It
Making this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s my step-by-step approach that anyone can follow.
- Start by prepping all your ingredients: chop the cabbage, slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the peppers. Having everything ready before you heat the pan makes a big difference when you cook this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onions and peppers. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they soften and smell amazing.
- Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano to the skillet. Stir everything together for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. This step is important for building flavor in your Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet.
- Now add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the spices and oil. This is where your kitchen starts to fill with the delicious smell of Tex Mex cooking.
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the cabbage cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage tender but still slightly crisp. Keep an eye on it – you’ll know your Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet is ready when the cabbage has softened but isn’t mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then squeeze in fresh lime juice. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
This Tex Mex cabbage stir fry typically takes me about 25 minutes from start to finish. I used to rush through the cabbage cooking and end up with it either too crunchy or overcooked. Now, I always keep the heat moderate and cover the pan to steam it gently.
While your Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet is cooking, you have time to set the table or prepare any sides. The smell alone gets the family excited for dinner.
If you want to add some protein or extra veggies, try mixing in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken near the end of cooking, inspired by a tasty jalapeño cabbage beef skillet recipe I saw shared on Facebook. It’s a fun way to change things up while sticking with that familiar Tex Mex flavor.
Serving Ideas
My family loves this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet all year round. It’s especially great for weeknights when we want a fast, satisfying dish that feels homemade and wholesome.
This Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a tasty vegetable side with a kick. For a meatless meal, serve it alongside warm corn tortillas and black beans to turn it into a filling Tex Mex vegetable dish.
It’s a wonderful option for gatherings too. When I bring this Macedonian style cabbage skillet to potlucks or family dinners, I always get asked for the recipe. It’s colorful and brings that comforting spicy cabbage skillet flavor everyone enjoys.
For leftovers, this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet reheats well in a skillet or microwave. Sometimes I add a fried egg on top for a quick lunch. Another favorite variation is mixing in cooked potatoes or sweet corn for extra texture and heartiness.

Don’t forget to check out the southern fried cabbage recipe on MomsGate for a different take on a cabbage saute recipe that’s equally delicious.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. I often make it a day ahead for busy nights. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. The flavors meld even better after sitting overnight.
Q: What if I don’t have jalapeños for my Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet?
A: No problem! I sometimes leave them out if my family wants a milder dish. You can use bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat instead.
Q: How do I store leftover Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet?
A: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I add meat to this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet?
A: Yes! Ground beef, chopped sausage, or shredded chicken work well. Inspired by recipes like the Tex Mex beef and cabbage one pot dish recipe, adding protein makes it a hearty main.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, the Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet is naturally gluten-free. Just watch any added spices or canned ingredients for gluten if you’re sensitive.
Q: Can I freeze Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet?
A: I’ve frozen leftovers a few times. It thaws well but sometimes softens the cabbage a bit. For best texture, reheat gently.
Q: What’s a quick variation for this Tex Mex cabbage stir fry?
A: Toss in frozen corn or black beans at the end for a fast veggie boost. A squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro finish it off perfectly.
If you want more ideas, check out the jalapeño cabbage beef skillet post on Facebook for inspiration.
The Final Word
This Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet has earned its spot in my recipe collection because it’s simple, flavorful, and brings my family together around the table. It’s one of those dishes that proves vegetables don’t have to be boring to be loved.
My Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet Tips:
- Use fresh spices and adjust heat carefully for your family’s tastes.
- Don’t overcook; keep the cabbage tender-crisp for the best texture.
- A squeeze of lime at the end brightens all the flavors.
I’ve tried this same Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet with ground beef added for a filling meal, with sweet corn mixed in for a sweeter side, and with extra jalapeños for that spicy cabbage skillet lovers crave. My husband goes for the hearty versions, while the kids prefer it milder with extra lime and cilantro.
If you’re looking for a Tex Mex vegetable dish that’s quick to make and has a lot of personality, give this Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet a try. I hope it becomes a trusted recipe for your family too, bringing warmth and flavor to your dinner table.
For more ideas, don’t miss the southern fried cabbage on MomsGate and the sausage, potato, and cabbage skillet fry on Homesick Texan for delicious takes on cabbage saute recipes you’ll love. Together, these recipes make cabbage one of the most versatile and tasty veggies in your kitchen.
Happy cooking and sharing good meals!
Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet
A vibrant and hearty Tex Mex Cabbage Skillet combining tender cabbage with zesty spices and savory flavors for a quick and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese or avocado slices for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Mix in black beans and corn, then sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables.
- Cook another 3–4 minutes, stirring to combine all flavors well.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm, topped with shredded cheddar or avocado slices if desired.
Notes
For extra protein, add cooked chicken or ground beef. Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.

