Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Ready for a hearty, comforting meal that’s quick, simple, and bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage—your new go-to dish for cozy weeknight dinners. This one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and the perfect balance of seasonings to create a meal that’s satisfying and so easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special without all the fuss. Trust me, this dish is going to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

This recipe is a keeper, and here’s why:

• Versatile: Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish fits every occasion. It’s equally perfect for a weeknight meal or as part of a larger spread at a gathering.
• Budget-Friendly: It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to splurge on fancy items—just hearty, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is foolproof and doesn’t require a lot of time or skill. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro making this meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, add a little heat with some chili flakes, or throw in some extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers to make it your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. With its combination of savory beef and tender cabbage, this recipe brings comfort in every bite, and it’s one of those meals that everyone will ask for seconds of.

Ingredients

This dish is all about simplicity, but the flavor is anything but! Let’s break down what makes it so delicious:

Ground Beef

The base of the dish. Ground beef cooks up beautifully, soaking in all the seasonings and creating a savory foundation for the cabbage. You can use lean beef or a fattier version depending on your preference.

Cabbage

The star of the show! Chopped cabbage is lightly cooked until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. It absorbs all the savory flavors from the beef, and it’s the perfect texture to balance out the richness of the meat.

Onion

A flavor powerhouse. Sweet, savory, and aromatic, onions add depth and sweetness to the dish. They help build the base flavor when sautéed with the beef.

Garlic

A must for any savory dish. Minced garlic adds a fragrant, earthy punch that elevates the flavor profile of the beef and cabbage.

Tomato Paste

For a touch of richness and depth. Tomato paste adds an umami-packed background note that complements the cabbage and beef perfectly.

Beef Broth

This helps to bring everything together and creates a bit of sauce that coats the beef and cabbage. It adds moisture and makes the dish extra comforting.

Seasonings

A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and perhaps a dash of cumin or chili flakes adds just the right amount of seasoning. The flavors meld together to create a perfectly balanced dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make your delicious Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage:

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting it become fragrant.

Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly. Add in the paprika, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like. This step really boosts the flavors!

Add Cabbage and Beef Broth

Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir it into the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed all the savory goodness from the beef and broth.

Simmer and Stir

Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to combine and the cabbage to soften. The dish should have a nice balance of sauciness without being too wet. If you need more liquid, feel free to add a splash of water or more broth.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cabbage is tender and everything is well-combined, give it a final stir and serve it warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy this comforting, savory dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a few complementary sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory broth.
• Bread: Serve it with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread for a little extra comfort. Perfect for mopping up the flavors!
• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the beef and cabbage.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts make great additions to the meal, bringing in extra nutrients and color.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this delicious dish:

• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to throw in some other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to make it even more hearty.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. The flavors will only improve as they meld together!
• Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work wonderfully, though the flavor will be a little lighter. Just be sure to season well.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tempeh, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain the moisture. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Yes, feel free to add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even peas to the mix. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking.

Q7: Can I make this spicier?
A7: Absolutely! Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or even a diced jalapeño to heat things up!

Q8: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A8: Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to serve.

Q9: What other seasonings can I use in this dish?
A9: You can experiment with cumin, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
A10: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just use a bigger pan and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

There you have it! Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a cozy, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and so easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. The combination of savory beef, tender cabbage, and the perfect seasonings makes this a dish everyone will love. So go ahead—give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!

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