Cabbage and Ground Beef
Looking for a delicious, budget-friendly, and nutritious meal? This cabbage and ground beef recipe offers the perfect combination of rich flavors and health benefits. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that can be prepared ahead of time, this dish has you covered. It’s also versatile, allowing for easy ingredient substitutions to suit different dietary needs, including low-carb and keto options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish both filling and nutritious.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like cabbage and ground beef keeps costs low while delivering a hearty meal.
- Easy to Customize: Modify the spices or add vegetables to suit your taste. This recipe works well for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients Breakdown
Cabbage
Cabbage is the star of this recipe, offering a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with savory ground beef. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins C and K, making it a nutrient-dense option for any meal.
Ground Beef
Ground beef provides rich flavor and protein. Choose from different fat ratios: 80/20 for a more flavorful dish or 90/10 for a leaner option. Ground turkey or plant-based alternatives can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly dish.
Diced Tomatoes
Adding diced tomatoes enhances the dish with acidity and moisture while balancing the richness of the beef. Tomatoes also provide antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
Aromatics: Onions and Garlic
Sautéed onions add a natural sweetness, while garlic adds depth and mild spiciness. These aromatics are key to building a flavorful base for the dish.
Spices: Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, and Smoked Paprika
- Cumin brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the cabbage and beef.
- Cayenne Pepper adds a bit of heat, which can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Smoked Paprika adds a smoky, complex flavor without additional heat.
Bouillon Powder and Salt
Bouillon powder boosts the savory depth of the dish, while salt enhances all the flavors. Adjust the salt to taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Browning the beef enhances the flavor through caramelization, making it more savory.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Move the beef to one side of the pan and sauté onions on the other side until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add diced tomatoes and spices to the pan. Stir and bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add Cabbage
Mix in chopped cabbage, cover, and cook until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Seasoning Adjustments
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more cayenne pepper for heat or salt for balance.
Tips & Variations
Make It Spicier
Increase cayenne pepper or add chili flakes for more heat. You can also use fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
Heartier Options
Add diced potatoes or serve over rice for a more substantial meal. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian Twist
Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meatless ground alternative to make this recipe vegetarian.
Nutritional Benefits
This cabbage and ground beef recipe is loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The ground beef provides high-quality protein, while the cabbage adds fiber and important vitamins like C and K. Tomatoes add antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health. For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this dish is a perfect fit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Overcooked beef becomes dry and tough, so cook it just until browned.
- Undercooking the Cabbage: Make sure the cabbage is tender but not mushy. Cook it just long enough to soften without losing its texture.
- Too Much Spice or Salt: Start with small amounts of cayenne pepper and salt, and adjust to taste as the dish cooks.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and the flavors improve with time. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. - Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe, though you might need a bit more oil to prevent sticking. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. - Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Cabbage and Ground Beef
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- 1 small head of cabbage chopped (about 6-7 cups)
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil if needed
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin optional
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water if needed, to deglaze or steam
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook the cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage starts to soften and wilt.
- If the skillet looks dry, add 1/4 cup of beef broth or water to help the cabbage steam and cook down. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Add the seasonings and combine:
- Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, cumin (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the cabbage and onion with the seasonings.
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, along with the diced tomatoes and tomato paste (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- You can omit the tomatoes for a simpler, more classic flavor or keep them for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- This recipe can be modified by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
- Cabbage and ground beef are great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serve the dish as-is for a low-carb option, or pair it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
