Introduction:
This Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender cabbage with flavorful ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something quick, filling, and delicious. The cabbage adds a wonderful texture and lightness, while the beef brings richness to the dish. Spiced with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this meal is full of savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy dish.
Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the onions become softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in the cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and bouillon powder. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Once the beef is well-seasoned, add the chopped cabbage and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly, making sure the cabbage is well coated with the beef and spice blend.
Step 5: Cook and Simmer
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cabbage and beef mixture cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften and become tender while absorbing the flavors of the beef and tomatoes.
Step 6: Season and Reduce
Once the cabbage is tender, taste the dish and season with salt as needed. Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to reduce any excess liquid in the skillet. This will give the dish a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Cabbage and Ground Beef hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Note:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version of this recipe.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef while browning.
Serving Suggestions:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or a slice of crusty bread.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for added richness and creaminess.
- For a balanced meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve, as the flavors develop even more when it sits overnight.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix instead of chopping a whole cabbage.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
4
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 20 grams per serving
- Sodium: 700 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and flavorful spices creates a comforting and satisfying dish. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this meal is perfect for when you need something quick yet hearty. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy this flavorful, wholesome dish with your family!
Print
Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender cabbage with flavorful ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something quick, filling, and delicious. The cabbage adds a wonderful texture and lightness, while the beef brings richness to the dish. Spiced with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this meal is full of savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy dish.
Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the onions become softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in the cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and bouillon powder. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Once the beef is well-seasoned, add the chopped cabbage and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly, making sure the cabbage is well coated with the beef and spice blend.
Step 5: Cook and Simmer
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cabbage and beef mixture cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften and become tender while absorbing the flavors of the beef and tomatoes.
Step 6: Season and Reduce
Once the cabbage is tender, taste the dish and season with salt as needed. Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to reduce any excess liquid in the skillet. This will give the dish a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Cabbage and Ground Beef hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version of this recipe.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef while browning.
Serving Suggestions:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or a slice of crusty bread.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for added richness and creaminess.
- For a balanced meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve, as the flavors develop even more when it sits overnight.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix instead of chopping a whole cabbage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Sodium: 700 mg per serving
- Protein: 20 grams per serving