This hearty dish brings together tasty ground beef and crunchy cabbage for a simple, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy evenings.
I love how the flavors blend together, making each bite delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! 🥬🍖
Cooking this meal is a breeze; just brown the beef, toss in the cabbage, and let it all cook down. You’ll have a warm dinner that’s ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for balanced flavor without too much grease. If you prefer, turkey or chicken can be great lower-fat options.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is standard, but you can also use Napa cabbage or even kale if you want something different. Both will add unique flavors!
Onion: A regular yellow onion works well, but red onions can add sweetness and color. If you’re short on onions, shallots can also be a nice substitute.
Tomato: Adding tomato is totally optional, but a can of diced tomatoes can be an easy alternative. They add slight acidity and moisture.
Broth: Beef broth enriches the flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth works too. In a pinch, water can be used instead, just be mindful of added seasoning.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Cabbage?
Cooking cabbage just right is essential for getting the right texture. You want it tender but still with a little crunch. Here’s how to handle it:
- Make sure to cut the cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- After adding it to the pan, stir often to prevent burning and help it cook evenly.
- You’ll know it’s ready when it’s wilted and tender but not mushy—about 10–15 minutes should do the trick!
Don’t forget to lift the lid occasionally to let some steam escape if you prefer a drier result.
Enjoy your cooking with these tips, and feel free to experiment to make this dish your own!
Ground Beef & Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced (optional for some color and acidity)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to have this delicious meal ready on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. This helps create a nice, brown color when cooking the beef!
2. Cook the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes soft, about 3 minutes. This adds a great flavor base for your dish!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Brown the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it apart while cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
5. Season It Up:
Stir in the paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices!
6. Add Cabbage and Tomato:
Now it’s time to add the chopped cabbage and diced tomato if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients.
7. Simmer:
Pour in the beef broth or water, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and cooked through.
8. Finish Cooking:
Remove the lid and let it cook for a few more minutes to evaporate any excess liquid, stirring frequently. This helps concentrate the flavors!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You want it to be just right!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious skillet meal with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. This adds a fresh touch!
Enjoy this comforting and simple Ground Beef & Cabbage skillet meal, perfect as a main dish or alongside rice or potatoes! 🍽️
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative for a leaner dish. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, and they tend to be a bit drier, so you might want to add a little extra broth.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu. Just sauté the vegetables as directed and add vegetable broth instead of beef broth!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
What Should I Serve with Ground Beef & Cabbage?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
