Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 2: Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet. If the beef was very lean, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the beef drippings and aromatics. Cover with a lid for 3-5 minutes to allow the cabbage to wilt.
Step 5: Remove the lid and stir the browned beef back into the skillet with the cabbage. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and soy sauce.
Step 6: Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the ground beef and chopped cabbage are well combined and the cabbage has reached your desired tenderness.