If you’re looking for that magical blend of hearty, homey, and healthy, this Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. This skillet wonder combines savory ground beef, tender green cabbage, sweet onions, and a perfect punch of seasonings in one irresistibly cozy dish. Whether you’re craving comfort food that won’t weigh you down or need something easy and satisfying on a busy night, Cabbage and Ground Beef delivers nourishing flavor and wonderful texture in every bite. Trust me—this one’s a classic for a reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good food starts with fresh, simple ingredients, and that’s precisely what makes this dish shine. Each element here builds depth and character, turning a humble skillet supper into something both comforting and memorable.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—the star protein that adds savory depth to every forkful.
- Green Cabbage (1 small head, cored and chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and satisfying crunch that soaks up all those delicious juices.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic backbone you’ll taste in every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a pop of robust, mouthwatering flavor that lifts the entire skillet.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Ensures everything sautés beautifully and imparts a subtle richness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the lovely savory notes and brings the dish into delicious harmony.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle kick and warmth to balance the flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): For earthiness and a touch of color—smoked or sweet, your call!
- Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): Introduces herbaceous aroma and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Tomato Paste (1 tbsp, optional): A spoonful adds lovely umami depth and a hint of tang if you’re in the mood.
- Beef Broth or Water (1/2 cup): Helps cook the cabbage down and ties all the flavors together with a delectable savory bath.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Lively, green, and brightens the finished dish with a fresh flourish.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it sizzle for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant—your kitchen will already smell incredible! Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, letting it release all those lovely, savory aromas without burning.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to your pan. As it cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon so you get nice, even crumbles. Give it time to brown deeply and release its savory juices. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat if you like things a little lighter—no worries if some remains, it adds great flavor!
Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage and Season
This is where the magic really happens. Stir in your chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and if you’re in the mood, a little tomato paste. Pour in the beef broth or water. The cabbage will seem overflowing at first, but cover the skillet and watch it shrink down to tender goodness as it cooks. Give everything 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the cabbage gets evenly soft and soaked in flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Thicken
Once the cabbage is nice and tender, remove the lid and let your skillet cook for another 2 or 3 minutes. This helps any extra liquid simmer away and the flavors to concentrate. Give it a taste—maybe a touch more salt or pepper if you’re feeling it—and get ready to serve up some serious comfort.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top. It’s the perfect bright counterpoint to the savory skillet beneath. Dish it up warm, and watch faces light up at the table!
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must for that hit of color and pop of freshness, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try thinly sliced green onions, a pinch of red chili flakes for heat, or even a little shredded cheese for something extra cozy. The garnish is your finishing flourish, so let your mood or the season guide you.
Side Dishes
Cabbage and Ground Beef loves a comforting side: think fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, creamy mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty bite, or even good crusty bread to mop the skillet clean. You could also serve it with roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance out all the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an outside-the-box twist, try piling the cabbage and ground beef into baked potato halves, spooning it over wide egg noodles, or serving in warm tortillas as a satisfying taco filling. Transform leftovers into stuffed peppers, or use as a hearty layer in a cottage pie. The possibilities go as far as your imagination (and fridge) allow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Cabbage and Ground Beef in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or a second round of comfort.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then scoop into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Just be sure to label and date your containers so you’ll know when it’s time to enjoy that easy freezer find.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer your cabbage and ground beef to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry. You can also microwave in a pinch—just cover your plate, and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until it’s hot and steamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work really well and offer a lighter or slightly different flavor profile. You can even try a meatless version by swapping in plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Is Cabbage and Ground Beef gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a wonderful option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your broth and seasonings to be sure they don’t contain any hidden wheat or additives.
How do I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasonings or toss in some freshly diced jalapeño. You can also finish with a dash of hot sauce at the table for each person to customize their own bowl.
Can I prep this Cabbage and Ground Beef ahead of time?
Definitely. You can chop the cabbage, onion, and garlic up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge to streamline dinner prep. The cooked dish also tastes great made ahead and reheated.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
It’s perfect for meal prep! Divide cooled portions of cabbage and ground beef into single-serving containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week—they reheat beautifully and keep well.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cabbage and Ground Beef brings as much joy and warmth to your table as it does to mine! It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to love: simple, nourishing, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it up or if you added your own twist—happy cooking!
Print
Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender cabbage and flavorful ground beef cooked with aromatic spices. This easy and budget-friendly dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
Cabbage:
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped
Other Ingredients:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Cabbage and Spices: Stir in cabbage, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and tomato paste. Pour in beef broth, cover, and cook until cabbage is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Uncover and cook briefly to reduce liquid. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Ground turkey or pork can be used as alternative proteins.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to taste.
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