Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner, a low-carb meal, or a dish to stretch your budget, cabbage and ground beef is a versatile option. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting classic.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
¼ cup beef broth or water
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Steps
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Push the cooked ground beef to one side of the skillet. In the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic to the empty side, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cabbage:
Stir the cabbage into the skillet, combining it with the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt down and soften slightly.
- Season the Dish:
Sprinkle paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over the cabbage and beef mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
If you’re using diced tomatoes, add them to the skillet along with the beef broth or water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
- Serve:
Once the cabbage is fully cooked, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Variations
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño to give the dish a kick of heat.
Cheesy Option: Once the cabbage and ground beef are cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella) on top. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt before serving.
Tomato-Free Version: Skip the diced tomatoes and broth if you prefer a drier version of this dish. The cabbage will release some liquid as it cooks, but without the tomatoes, it will have a more sautéed texture.
Add Carrots or Bell Peppers: For more vegetables, try adding thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers when you add the cabbage. This adds color and a touch of sweetness.
