There’s something truly comforting about whipping up a dish with cabbage and ground beef. Maybe it’s the way the cabbage wilts down to that sweet, tender goodness, or how the ground beef becomes all juicy and rich, soaking up all those flavors. This recipe is a personal favorite of mine because it’s not just hearty and filling, but it’s also super simple to make! I remember my grandmother making a similar dish on chilly evenings, and it always warmed us right up. The combination of ingredients creates a delightful medley that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, you can have it on the table in under an hour! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too. It’s all about comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients List
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Prepare Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This’ll help get things nice and toasty.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing!
- Next, add in 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with your spatula as it cooks!
- Now it’s time for the star of the show! Stir in the chopped cabbage, and let it cook down for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it wilt and reduce, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, along with 1 teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cover the skillet and let it all simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
- Once it’s cooked, serve it hot and enjoy this hearty meal with your family or friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling, perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm.
- Quick preparation—ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Uses common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
- Nutritious and packed with protein, thanks to the beef and fiber from the cabbage.
- One-pot meal means less cleanup—more time to enjoy your delicious creation!
- Customizable! You can easily add your favorite spices or veggies for a personal touch.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your cabbage and ground beef dish and ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Seasoning is key: Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to match your preference. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a depth of flavor that’s just divine!
- Choose the right skillet: A large skillet is your best friend here. It gives you enough space for everything to cook evenly without overcrowding, ensuring that delicious caramelization occurs.
- Don’t rush the sauté: Take your time with the onions and garlic. Sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant really builds a fantastic flavor base for the dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: If possible, go for fresh garlic and onion rather than pre-chopped. They pack a flavor punch that makes a real difference!
- Cook your beef well: Make sure the ground beef is fully browned before adding the cabbage. This way, it gets that lovely sear and rich flavor that makes the dish so satisfying.
- Let it simmer: Allowing it to simmer covered for those 20 minutes is crucial. It lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating that hearty goodness we love!
- Experiment with textures: If you like a bit of crunch, add some chopped bell peppers or carrots along with the cabbage. They’ll add color and a nice textural contrast!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, there are tons of fun variations you can try with this cabbage and ground beef recipe! Here are some ideas to inspire your next cooking session:
- Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even zucchini to amp up the color and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’ll give the dish a delightful kick!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor. Stir in some chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Go international: Combine in some soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian twist, or add cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex flair. The possibilities are endless!
- Cheesy goodness: For a creamy touch, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt and get bubbly for a delicious finish!
- Make it a casserole: Layer the mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes or a cornbread batter, and bake until golden for a comforting casserole version!
- Swap the meat: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version, or even go for a meat-free option by using lentils or mushrooms!
Have fun experimenting and making this dish your own! Each variation brings a new twist while keeping that comforting essence we all love.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cabbage and ground beef dish stores beautifully, and I’ve got the scoop on how to keep it fresh and delicious for the next meal.
First off, let the dish cool to room temperature before storing it. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to portion it out for easy grab-and-go meals during the week. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to seal it well to lock in that scrumptious flavor!
If you want to save it for longer, pop it in the freezer! Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It should stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, for reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate it and keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it! Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Remember, you want to avoid overcooking and losing that lovely texture!
With these tips, your leftover cabbage and ground beef will be just as tasty as when it was freshly made! Enjoy every comforting bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this comforting cabbage and ground beef dish! It’s always nice to know what’s going into your meals, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of ground beef or any added seasonings. But overall, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it not only hearty but also a satisfying choice for any meal. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Frozen cabbage can work just as well, though fresh always has that extra crunch!
What can I serve with cabbage and ground beef?
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread, a side salad, or even some fluffy rice to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Just prepare it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. You can reheat it when you’re ready to eat!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a lighter option. You could even use lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It’ll give your cabbage and ground beef a nice kick!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it a perfect dish for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check any added sauces or ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, peas, or carrots. It’s a great way to enhance nutrition and add some vibrant colors!
Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe: 7 Comforting Tips to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty dish combining cabbage and ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For added flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cabbage and ground beef recipe