Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming meal that comes together in a flash, let me introduce you to Cabbage and Ground Beef. This dish is comfort food at its purest: juicy beef mingled with tender cabbage, onions, and tomatoes, all spiced just right. Not only does it come together in about 40 minutes, but it also offers unbeatable versatility and nutrition. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or need something fill-you-up satisfying for a chilly evening, Cabbage and Ground Beef has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients, but every single one plays an important part in creating a comforting meal with amazing depth of flavor. Here’s a handy list to help you shop and prep with ease, plus a tip for each to make your Cabbage and Ground Beef truly special.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for juiciness and flavor without too much excess fat.
- Green Cabbage: Chop it roughly for beautiful bites that soak up those delicious juices.
- Onion: A medium yellow or white onion adds essential sweetness and body.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! Three cloves liven up the whole skillet with irresistible aroma.
- Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons help everything brown up perfectly with a subtle background flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Canned tomatoes add acidity and moisture, making the base of your sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Just a tablespoon boosts the rich, savory depth of the dish.
- Smoked Paprika: This brings a gentle smokiness you’ll love, especially with beef.
- Dried Oregano: A teaspoon ties together the aromatic flavors of the sauce.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon wakes up all the flavors — season to taste as you go!
- Black Pepper: Fresh cracked for a bright, peppery kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add only if you like a little heat in your cabbage and ground beef skillet.
- Beef Broth or Water: Provides enough liquid for a gentle simmer and wonderfully tender cabbage.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end gives a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes, letting everything soften and become fragrant without browning. The smells wafting up from the pan will instantly signal that something delicious is on its way.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef right into your skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly for 7-8 minutes; you’re looking for bits of caramelization — those are the flavor builders. Don’t rush this step, as it really deepens the savory base of your Cabbage and Ground Beef.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Stir in your chopped cabbage and let it cook for about 5 minutes. It will start to wilt down, becoming tender and blending beautifully with the beef. The volume will shrink, so don’t be alarmed by how much cabbage goes in initially!
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Spices, and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy). This is when all those savory, tangy, and smoky notes come together. Stir it well, then add your beef broth or water to keep everything moist and simmering comfortably.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover your skillet, reduce the heat, and let everything cook gently for 15-20 minutes. Give it a stir every so often; you’ll notice the cabbage getting meltingly soft and the flavors melding into a beautifully balanced skillet. Give it a final taste for seasoning before serving.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
If you’re in the mood for an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve warm, spooned generously into bowls for a meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef
Garnishes
Simple touches can elevate your Cabbage and Ground Beef from homey to eye-catching. Try a handful of fresh chopped parsley, a pinch more red pepper flakes for color, or even a swirl of sour cream right before serving.
Side Dishes
While Cabbage and Ground Beef is hearty enough to fly solo, you can pair it with crusty bread, buttered noodles, fluffy rice, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad works wonders as a counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, hollow out bell peppers and spoon the hot mixture inside for instant “un-stuffed” peppers. Or, serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb feast that soaks up every drop of that flavorful sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool fully before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, your Cabbage and Ground Beef will last for up to 4 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Freezing
Cabbage and Ground Beef freezes beautifully! Pack cooled portions into freezer bags or containers, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it’s looking a bit thick. A quick zap in the microwave (with a cover to avoid splatters) also works perfectly for single servings.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of ground meat in my Cabbage and Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and will still create a flavorful meal, though you might want to add a bit more olive oil to keep things juicy.
Is Cabbage and Ground Beef suitable for meal prep?
It’s ideal for meal prep! The flavors only improve as the dish sits, plus it reheats quickly, making it perfect for ahead-of-time lunches and dinners.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To turn up the heat, just increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapenos along with the onions. Smoked paprika also adds a deeper kick if you use a hot variety.
Can I make this Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative, or add extra beans and veggies like mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly spin.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage?
Cut the cabbage in half, slice out the core, then chop into bite-sized chunks. Don’t worry about perfection — rustic pieces make each bite unique and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s endlessly adaptable and rich with flavor, give this Cabbage and Ground Beef a try. Uncomplicated, nourishing, and cozy, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again — and share with everyone you love.
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Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish, this Cabbage and Ground Beef skillet is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a blend of spices come together to create a delicious low-carb and gluten-free dinner option.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Cabbage:
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquid:
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cabbage, cooking until slightly softened.
- Season and Simmer: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and broth. Simmer covered until cabbage is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef
- Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
