Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that comes together quickly, you’ve found it! This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe is one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and uses simple ingredients that I always have on hand. There’s something so satisfying about the combination of savory ground beef and tender cabbage, all seasoned with warm spices. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want a delicious homemade dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this meal in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices adds depth to the dish, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ head of 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 (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have or your family’s preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a veggie-friendly version.

How to Make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is important because sautéing onions brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to our dish!

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks until browned and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes should do it. If there’s excess fat in the pan, feel free to drain it; we want all that tasty flavor without too much grease.

Step 4: Season It Up

Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so that every piece of meat gets coated with those beautiful spices. This is where our dish starts to come alive with flavor!

Step 5: Incorporate Cabbage

Now it’s time to add that shredded cabbage! Pour in your beef broth as well and stir everything together so that the cabbage is well-distributed among the beef mixture.

Step 6: Let It Cook

Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for about 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. The goal here is tender cabbage that has absorbed all those delicious flavors while slightly caramelizing.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once your cabbage reaches your desired tenderness, add soy sauce and apple cider vinegar if you’re using them. Stir everything together once again before tasting—don’t forget to adjust seasoning if needed!

Step 8: Serve It Up

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a savory one-pan meal! Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly flexible, so let’s make sure you get the best out of your cooking experience!

• Prep Ahead: Chop your cabbage and onion in advance. This will save you time during the cooking process, making it even easier to whip up a quick dinner on busy nights.

• Brown the Beef Well: Getting a good sear on the ground beef enhances its flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow it to brown nicely before adding spices and other ingredients.

• Adjust the Seasoning: Everybody’s taste is different! Feel free to add more salt or spices according to your preference. Tasting as you go ensures a dish that suits your palate perfectly.

• Experiment with Veggies: Add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini. This not only boosts the nutrition but also adds color and variety to your meal.

• Leftover Love: Make a double batch for easy leftovers! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day or for meal prepping.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Serving this dish can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas that will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice right before eating adds a delightful tangy flavor that complements the savory notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, offering red pepper flakes allows guests to customize their spice level.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Rice: A simple side of steamed rice complements this dish beautifully, absorbing all those savory juices while adding heartiness.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover broth from the skillet. It’s an inviting addition that adds comfort to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender. These add a lovely crunch and nutritional boost.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly in vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.

Enjoy creating your own variations of this Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe! It’s a meal that’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week with minimal effort.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish:

Can I make Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

What should I serve with Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage?

This hearty one-pan meal stands well on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete dinner experience.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein in Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage suitable for family dinners?

Definitely! This flavorful dish is not only easy to prepare but also appealing to both kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish! It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that will please everyone at your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share how it turned out. Happy cooking!