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Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

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Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Description

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Tender ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with chopped cabbage, tomatoes, and savory seasonings until everything becomes perfectly tender and delicious. The cabbage absorbs the rich flavors of the beef while maintaining a slight bite, creating a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. This versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re looking for a filling homemade dinner using everyday ingredients. Serve it on its own for a low-carb meal or pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for an even heartier dinner. It’s an easy family favorite that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients For the Beef

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables

  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced (optional)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add the diced tomatoes along with the beef broth and stir until everything is combined.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

Gradually add the chopped cabbage, stirring after each handful. The cabbage may seem like a lot at first, but it will quickly soften and reduce in volume as it cooks.

Step 6: Simmer

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender while still retaining a slight bite.

Step 7: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the mixture and add additional salt, black pepper, or paprika if desired. If you’d like a richer sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.

Step 8: Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and finish with a little cracked black pepper for added freshness.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the beef and cabbage hot on its own, over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with warm crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Tips & Notes

  • Lean ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the beef.
  • Green cabbage works best, but savoy cabbage is another great option.
  • Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for extra vegetables.
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds gentle heat if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors become even better after resting overnight.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats beautifully and is ideal for meal prep.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, cornbread, or a simple green salad all pair wonderfully.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 540mg

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