Simple ground beef cabbage recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a hearty meal at the end of a busy day, and this ground beef cabbage recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s simple yet flavorful, with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a blend of spices that will transport you to a cozy kitchen in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week ahead, or just craving a meal that feels like a hug on a plate, this recipe fits the bill.

I first discovered the magic of this dish while trying to stretch my grocery budget, and it quickly became a family favorite. The best part of this recipe is its incredible versatility. You can adjust it to suit your tastes, add extra veggies for a nutrient boost, or spice it up with a dash of hot sauce if you love a little heat. The rich flavors of the ground beef perfectly complement the slightly sweet cabbage, making every bite satisfying.

Ready to dive into a comforting meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make? Let’s get started with this ground beef cabbage recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Key Benefits of Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe

This ground beef cabbage recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s loaded with benefits, making it an excellent option for busy nights and meal planning. Here’s why it’s so great:

1. Budget-Friendly & Economical

Ground beef and cabbage are both incredibly affordable ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, you can easily create a delicious meal without breaking the bank. The cost per serving is low, but the dish is hearty enough to leave everyone full and satisfied.

Moreover, cabbage has a long shelf life, so you can buy it in bulk and use it across several meals, helping you save even more.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

With prep time around 10 minutes and cook time of about 30 minutes, this meal comes together quickly. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need something filling but don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the one-pan method makes clean-up a breeze!

3. Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome

Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12. Cabbage, on the other hand, is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. This combination makes the dish not only filling but also nourishing for your body.

The high fiber content from cabbage aids in digestion, while the protein from the beef helps build muscle and keeps you fuller for longer. It’s a perfect balance of protein and vegetables that your body will thank you for.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Another great benefit of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Want to make it spicier? Add some chili flakes. Want to make it keto-friendly? Skip the tomato sauce and use a low-carb option like broth. You can even swap out ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian version. The recipe is as flexible as your cravings!

This versatility means you can make it your own every time, depending on what ingredients you have or what flavors you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe

This ground beef cabbage recipe requires minimal ingredients, but the flavor is far from simple. Here’s everything you need:

• 1 lb ground beef (You can use lean beef or a fattier cut for a richer flavor.)
• 1 medium head of green cabbage (Shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.)
• 1 large onion (Finely chopped.)
• 3 cloves garlic (Minced.)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce (You can use fresh tomatoes as well if you prefer.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For sautéing.)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (This adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can also use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.)
• 1/2 tsp salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (To taste.)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (For extra flavor. You can substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.)
• Optional: Add-ins like carrots, bell peppers, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Ground Beef Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be used in place of beef if you’re looking for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder works just as well. Add a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
• Broth: If you’re trying to keep it low-sodium, opt for a low-sodium broth or water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, here’s how to bring this delicious dish together:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Start by chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You can either shred it finely or cut it into larger chunks, depending on your texture preference.
• Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
• If you’re using any extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, chop those as well.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.
• Place the ground beef in the skillet and use a spatula to crumble it into smaller pieces. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Stir in the diced onion and garlic with the ground beef in the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns translucent.
• Stir in your cabbage, allowing it to cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:

• Once the cabbage has softened, add the diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir everything together, ensuring the cabbage and beef are evenly coated with the seasonings.

5. Simmer and Finish:

• Pour in the beef broth (or water) to help create a bit of liquid and allow the flavors to meld.
• Place a lid on the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

6. Serve:

• Once the cabbage is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly, your dish is ready to serve!
• Top with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and added flavor.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Flavor Boosting: For an even richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar after browning the beef. This adds a subtle acidity that complements the savory beef and cabbage.
• Meal Prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully, so make extra and store in an airtight container for future meals.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick. You can also use chili powder or a diced jalapeño pepper to bring in some heat.
• Keto-Friendly: Omit the tomatoes and use extra beef broth or add in cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef cabbage recipe is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious juices left in your bowl.
• Rice: For a more filling option, pair it with steamed white or brown rice.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and cabbage.

You can also serve this as a filling for wraps or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s incredibly versatile!

conclusion

This ground beef cabbage recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering satisfying flavors with a nourishing balance of protein and veggies. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Give it a try and see why it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to get creative with your own twists, and share your variations in the comments—let’s make this recipe even more exciting!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, absolutely! This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

2. . Is it possible to use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef? Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly milder, but the dish will still be delicious.

3. Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add any extra vegetables you like, such as carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini. These can add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.

4. What if I don’t have smoked paprika? If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead. Smoked paprika adds a unique depth of flavor, but the recipe will still taste great with other spices.