If you’re looking for a hearty, homey meal that’s big on both comfort and flavor, Cabbage and Ground Beef is about to become your new go-to. Every bite brings you that cozy feeling of food cooked with love, combining affordable and familiar ingredients in the most satisfying way. The cabbage turns tender and slightly sweet, the ground beef is perfectly seasoned, and the whole dish comes together in just over half an hour for seriously delicious results perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish couldn’t be easier to make, and each ingredient has a role to play—bringing out the savory, smokey, and slightly tangy notes that make Cabbage and Ground Beef unforgettable. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish, giving it protein-packed, meaty comfort.
- Onion: Delivers a gentle sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
- Garlic: Sautéed garlic adds that irresistible aromatic note we all love.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings—don’t skip them, as they tie everything together.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the dish with a subtle smokiness that makes it unique.
- Dried oregano: A sprinkle of herbal flavor to brighten the mix.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like some heat.
- Green cabbage: Becomes luscious and sweet as it cooks, soaking up all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned and undrained, they bring tang and juiciness to the party.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Beef broth or water: Keeps everything moist and pulls all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a bright finish to your plate.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, add in your ground beef. Break it up with a sturdy spoon or spatula, and let it cook for about 6–8 minutes until it’s gorgeously browned. If there’s extra fat in the pan, feel free to drain it off for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add your chopped onion and minced garlic straight to the browned beef. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes, just until the onions are soft and the whole kitchen smells absolutely amazing. This step builds a lovely flavor base you’ll taste in every bite of your Cabbage and Ground Beef.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now’s the time to sprinkle in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a little heat. Stir everything well so the seasonings coat every morsel—your skillet will start smelling even better!
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Sauté
Stir in all that glorious chopped green cabbage. Don’t worry if the skillet looks full; the cabbage will cook down. Sauté the cabbage with the beef mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it’s just starting to soften. The slight caramelization you get here adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including the juice), tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together really well, making sure the tomato paste evenly mixes in and nothing’s sticking to the bottom of the pan. This is when your Cabbage and Ground Beef starts looking like a real meal.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Pop a lid over the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. You want the cabbage meltingly tender, but not mushy. Once time is up, remove the lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes to reduce any extra liquid and concentrate all those flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and freshness. Serve your Cabbage and Ground Beef steamy hot, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley gives this dish a simple but vibrant finish. For extra flair, you could also add a dollop of tangy sour cream or a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, which plays off the savory meatiness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Cabbage and Ground Beef is fantastic on its own, but it absolutely sings when spooned over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttered egg noodles. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside crusty bread or a crisp side salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or pile the mixture inside baked potatoes for a totally different dinner the next night. Or, serve it as a cozy filling for soft tortillas—the Cabbage and Ground Beef taco might just be your next obsession!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish is a meal prep superstar. Simply scoop cooled Cabbage and Ground Beef into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors become even richer as they mingle overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled mixture in sturdy containers or freezer-safe bags. Label and date each batch—Cabbage and Ground Beef keeps beautifully for up to 3 months in the freezer, ready to rescue you on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat straight from the fridge on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swapping in ground turkey or chicken makes this dish a bit lighter but still hearty. Just be sure to season generously and maybe add a touch more olive oil to keep things moist and flavorful.
Do I have to use green cabbage, or can I switch it up?
Green cabbage is classic, but you can use savoy or even red cabbage for a splash of color and a slightly different texture. Each variety brings a little something special to your Cabbage and Ground Beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, Cabbage and Ground Beef is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check labels on canned tomatoes and broth to be certain.
What can I do to make it spicier?
If you love spice, don’t hold back on the crushed red pepper flakes. You could also add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to really bring the heat.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini along with the cabbage. Spinach or kale stirred in at the end is also a delicious way to boost the nutrition.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe a try—there’s something so soul-satisfying about this easy, one-pan dinner. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and absolutely brimming with flavor. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
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Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a blend of spices creates a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage and Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to soften.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well, then cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove lid and cook another 2–3 minutes to reduce any excess liquid. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- For added flavor, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of vinegar at the end.
- This dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
