Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, then you’ll adore this recipe for Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, making its way to our dinner table during busy weeknights and even at casual gatherings with friends. The combination of savory ground beef and sweet, caramelized cabbage is not only delicious but also comforting.

This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand, making it a great option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Flavor Packed: The warm spices elevate the ground beef and cabbage, turning simple ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up this delightful dish. Let’s gather everything you need before we start cooking!

For the Main Dish

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ head of green cabbage (shredded)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s so flexible that you can make it your own with just a few tweaks.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or carrots for added color and crunch.
• Swap the Protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
• Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder for a kick of heat.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.

How to Make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial because sautéing the onions helps release their natural sweetness, which will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic adds depth to our recipe and makes your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now it’s time to add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Browning the meat well creates rich flavor through caramelization which brings everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Season It Up

Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the meat with these warm spices. These seasonings are what really make this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage shine!

Step 5: Add Cabbage & Broth

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet along with your beef broth. Stir everything together so that every bit of cabbage gets mixed in with that delicious beef mixture. This step helps soften the cabbage while allowing it to soak up all those lovely flavors.

Step 6: Cook Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let your mixture cook for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender and slightly caramelized by now—this adds wonderful texture!

Step 7: Final Touches

Once cooked to your liking, add soy sauce (if using) and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir gently to combine everything once more before tasting and adjusting seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a savory one-pan meal that everyone will enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Cooking should be enjoyable and stress-free, so here are some helpful tips to make your experience with this recipe even better!

• Choose fresh cabbage: Fresh cabbage not only adds a nice crunch but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Look for vibrant green leaves that are firm to the touch.
• Don’t rush the browning: Take your time when browning the ground beef; this adds depth and richness to the flavor. A well-browned meat layer creates a delicious base for your dish.
• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the spices based on your preference. If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Use leftovers creatively: This dish is fantastic as leftovers! You can use it as a filling for tacos, wraps, or even atop a baked potato for a comforting meal the next day.
• Prep ahead of time: To save time on busy weeknights, chop the vegetables in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you’ll be ready to whip up dinner in no time!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Serving this dish is all about highlighting its hearty flavors while making it visually appealing. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that balances out the savory notes.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a splash of citrus that brightens up each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed rice: Fluffy steamed rice is a classic accompaniment that soaks up all the delicious juices from the beef and cabbage. It’s simple yet satisfying!
• Roasted vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, complements the flavors of this dish while adding vibrant colors on your plate.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread makes for a great side to mop up any leftover sauce. The buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the savory beef and cabbage mixture.
• Simple green salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to this hearty meal.

Enjoy serving up this delightful Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike while keeping everyone full and happy.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. You can easily prepare a batch ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out the ground beef and chopped cabbage into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Microwave in a covered dish on medium power, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef in this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ground meat options for a different flavor profile.

How can I make this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish healthier?

You can increase the nutrients by adding more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. This will not only boost the health factor but also add color and texture!

How long does it take to cook Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage?

This one-pan meal takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick dinner option for any night of the week.

What spices can I add to enhance the flavor of Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage?

Consider adding some red pepper flakes for heat or herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor depth. Experimenting with spices is a fun way to personalize this dish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe as much as I do! It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule. Don’t hesitate to try it out, and feel free to share your own twists on this classic dish. Happy cooking!