Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage 🥩🥬

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Combining savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices, this recipe is comforting, nutritious, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its rich flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying meal step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in one pan.
2. Budget-Friendly : Affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage stretch into a filling meal.
3. Healthy & Hearty : Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s nutritious and satisfying.
4. Customizable : Adjust the spices or add extra ingredients to suit your taste.
5. Meal Prep Friendly : Great for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 small cabbage , chopped (about 4–5 cups )
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup onions , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 tablespoon bouillon powder (chicken or beef works well )
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat )
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt , to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Place the ground beef in a large pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes . Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Push the cooked ground beef to one side of the pan.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the empty side of the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes , until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine with the beef mixture.
2. Add the bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and let it simmer for 5 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage

1. Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir to combine with the beef and tomato mixture.
2. Cover the pan and cook for 10–15 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from heat and serve hot as-is or with your favorite sides.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Spices : Freshly ground cumin and smoked paprika enhance the flavor significantly.
2. Add Veggies : Stir in diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
3. Boost Umami : Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Perfect Pairings

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread : Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
• Rice or Quinoa : Serve over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
• Green Salad : A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Hot Sauce : Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for those who like extra spice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~18g
• Carbohydrates : ~15g
• Fat : ~15g
• Fiber : ~4g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and always delicious.

The best part? It’s incredibly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your ground beef, chop that cabbage, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.