This hearty Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe combines the richness of ground beef with the sweetness of caramelized cabbage. It’s not just easy to prepare; it’s also packed with spices that bring everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this one-pan meal is bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: Infused with warm spices like cumin and paprika, each bite is bursting with taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, you can focus more on enjoying your meal.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand; swap out beef or incorporate different veggies as desired.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking everything evenly without overcrowding the pan.
- Wooden spoon: Great for breaking apart ground beef while preventing scratches on non-stick surfaces.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
Ingredients
This hearty and savory dish combines ground beef with tender, caramelized cabbage, infused with warm spices like cumin and paprika. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for a quick dinner.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ head of green cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for extra flavor)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 5: Season the Meat
Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with spices.
Step 6: Add Cabbage and Broth
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet along with the beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 7: Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 8: Add Optional Ingredients
Once cooked to your liking, add soy sauce and apple cider vinegar if desired. Stir to combine, then adjust seasoning as necessary.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a savory one-pan meal, and enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
This delicious dish is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance the meal experience. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, here are some great serving suggestions.
Serve with Rice
- Pair the ground beef and chopped cabbage with steamed white or brown rice for a filling meal.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top right before serving for a creamy addition that melts beautifully.
Accompany with Tortillas
- Serve the mixture in warm tortillas for a tasty taco-style meal that’s easy to eat.
Add Hot Sauce
- Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the dish for an extra kick of flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
Serve in Bowls
- For a casual dining experience, serve the ground beef and chopped cabbage in bowls, allowing everyone to help themselves.
How to Perfect Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
To truly master this comforting dish, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and quality ground beef enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing time for the cabbage to caramelize brings out its natural sweetness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like chili powder or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors meld together nicely.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, ensuring you enjoy this meal again!
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Pairing side dishes with your ground beef and chopped cabbage can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:
Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any juices from the dish, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture.Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory flavors of beef and cabbage very well.Steamed Vegetables
A mix of colorful steamed vegetables provides freshness and balances richness.Coleslaw
A light, tangy coleslaw can add crunch and contrast to this hearty main dish.Cornbread
Sweet cornbread offers a delightful pairing that enhances comfort food vibes.Pickled Vegetables
Adding pickles or pickled veggies brings acidity that cuts through richness, refreshing your palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Without proper seasoning, your dish may taste bland. Always season your ground beef and cabbage well with spices.
- Overcooking the cabbage: Overcooked cabbage can become mushy. Cook it just until tender for the best texture.
- Using too high heat: High heat can burn the ingredients. Use medium heat for even cooking and caramelization.
- Not browning the beef properly: Undercooked beef can affect flavor. Ensure you brown the ground beef until fully cooked before adding other ingredients.
- Neglecting to taste as you go: Tasting helps adjust flavors. Always sample your dish before serving to ensure it meets your palate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage.
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
For Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition in your Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
You can use leaner ground meat or substitute with ground turkey. Adding more cabbage also boosts fiber without many calories.
Can I make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well. Prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is not just a delicious meal; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it with various spices or additional vegetables based on what you have on hand. Try this comforting one-pan meal today!
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a warm, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with sweet, caramelized cabbage, making it the ideal comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This one-pan meal can be prepared in just 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious dinner without the hassle of extensive cleanup. Infused with spices like cumin and paprika, each bite is bursting with flavor. The recipe is versatile; feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Serve it over rice, in tortillas, or simply on its own for a satisfying meal that will impress everyone at your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ head 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
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and brown it for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to season the meat.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage and beef broth; stir well.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Optional: Stir in soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for added flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
