Dice the onion into 1/2-inch pieces, chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, and core the cabbage then chop it into 1-inch squares. In a small bowl, combine the creole seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Having everything prepped and your seasoning blend ready will make the cooking process smooth and prevent burning any ingredients while you're chopping.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just a thin coating to flavor the vegetables. This step creates a flavorful fond (the browned bits) that will add depth to the entire dish.

Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the browned beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step allows the aromatics to soften slightly and release their natural sweetness, which will flavor the entire dish.

Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and the seasoning blend from Step 1. Stir well to combine and coat everything evenly. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low, then simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. I like to give it a good stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent any sticking on the bottom.

Remove the skillet from heat and scatter the freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely from the residual heat. I always use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded because the anti-caking agents prevent it from melting as smoothly, giving you a creamier, more cohesive result.

Give the skillet a gentle stir to incorporate the melted cheese throughout, then serve directly from the skillet into bowls. This one-pan meal is delicious on its own or served over rice for a heartier meal.