Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty cabbage and ground beef stew offers a comforting meal that wraps you in warmth during chilly evenings.

Layers of robust flavors dance across your palate with each savory bite.

Tender beef mingles perfectly with soft cabbage chunks, creating a rustic masterpiece.

Minimal ingredients combine into something truly magical on your dinner plate.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can produce such delicious results.

Straightforward preparation means you can have this satisfying dish ready in under an hour.

Grab a fork and prepare for a culinary journey that promises pure, wholesome enjoyment.

What Makes Cabbage and Ground Beef So Hearty

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this dish delivers a powerful nutritional punch for balanced meals.
• Simplify Cooking: One-pan recipe eliminates multiple dishes, reducing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation stress-free and quick.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage create a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Comfort Food Champion: Warm, satisfying skillet combines classic flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness, perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.

Ingredients Needed for Cabbage and Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the dish.

• Cabbage, Onion, Garlic: A classic combination that creates a robust and comforting flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh herbal touch to the finished dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Liquids that help create a moist and savory cooking environment.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and enhances overall flavor.
• Soy Sauce, Paprika, Thyme, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that build depth and complexity in the recipe.

How to Cook Cabbage and Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Swirl olive oil around the pan. Drop ground beef into the skillet and break it apart using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat transforms from pink to rich brown. Tip the skillet and drain away any extra grease for a cleaner dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet with browned meat. Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance. This process builds a flavor foundation for the entire meal.

Step 3: Create Hearty Mixture

• Chopped cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Slow Simmer And Develop Flavors

Cover the skillet with a tight lid. Reduce heat to low. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, cabbage will soften and ingredients will meld into a delicious, comforting one-pot wonder.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Scoop the steaming mixture into bowls and serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage and Ground Beef

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Chop cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Season gradually and taste as you cook to achieve perfect seasoning without overpowering the natural flavors.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Variations on Cabbage and Ground Beef to Try

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace traditional ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner protein. Swap out diced tomatoes for diced bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content. Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese and kalamata olives into the dish. Add oregano and mint for authentic Greek flavors. Use lamb instead of beef for a richer taste profile. Garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add jalapeños and chipotle peppers for heat. Mix in cumin and chili powder for robust southwestern seasonings. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese. Serve with warm corn tortillas on the side.

Pairing Ideas for Cabbage and Ground Beef

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Franc or Merlot to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the beef and cabbage dish, enhancing the meal’s depth and warmth.
• Create Tangy Slaw Side: Prepare a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory skillet, balancing the dish’s heavy textures.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer a rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious cooking juices, adding a satisfying carbohydrate element that rounds out the complete meal experience.

Storing Cabbage and Ground Beef Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer cooled cabbage and ground beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the meal will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About Cabbage and Ground Beef

• Is this dish healthy?

This one-pan meal offers balanced nutrition with lean protein from ground beef, fiber-rich cabbage, and low-calorie vegetables, making it a nutritious option for a quick dinner.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as healthier alternatives to beef, maintaining the dish’s flavor and protein content.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use cheaper cuts of ground beef, buy cabbage when it’s in season, and check for sales on canned tomatoes to reduce overall cooking costs.

• What makes this recipe easy for beginners?

It’s a simple one-skillet dish with straightforward instructions, minimal ingredients, and no complex techniques, perfect for home cooks just starting out.

Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole brings rustic comfort straight from home kitchens. Savory layers of seasoned beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights diners.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, crumbling it with a utensil and ensuring no pink remains. Eliminate any accumulated grease.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and aromatic garlic to the meat, sautéing until onions become translucent and emit a fragrant aroma.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage, tomatoes with their natural juices, robust beef broth, umami-rich soy sauce, warming paprika, earthy thyme, robust oregano, seasoning elements, and ground black pepper into the skillet.
4. Reduce heat to low, securing the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, enabling the cabbage to soften and ingredients to harmonize their flavors.
5. Once the vegetables reach desired tenderness and liquid reduces slightly, remove from heat. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is fully browned and crumbled for even texture and flavor distribution.
• Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy consistency and maintain a lighter dish.
• Select fresh, crisp cabbage for maximum crunch and vibrant taste in the final meal.
• Consider adding grated cheese on top for extra richness and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 348 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg