Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe

With savory beef, tender cabbage, and simple spices! So hearty, so wholesome. A budget-friendly skillet meal full of flavor!

Introduction to Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe

Did you know that one-pan meals can reduce your weeknight cooking time by up to 40%, according to recent culinary surveys? When time is tight but you still crave a homemade dinner, a simple, hearty dish can be your best ally. If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this ground beef cabbage recipe is exactly what you need. Ready in just 60 minutes, this savory combination of seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage delivers comfort food at its finest while keeping your kitchen cleanup to a minimum. After mastering this recipe, you might also want to try the elegant Great Gatsby Lemon Cake Recipe for dessert!

Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 45 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr

With savory beef, tender cabbage, and simple spices! So hearty, so wholesome. A budget-friendly skillet meal full of flavor!

5 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended for less fat)
• 1 medium head green cabbage (approximately 2 pounds), chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion , finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  Begin by chopping the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces. Pro tip: Remove the core first and slice the cabbage in half to make chopping easier. Dice your onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepared before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.

  Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. If you're using 80/20 ground beef, consider draining excess fat at this point for a healthier dish.

  Step 3: Add Aromatics

  Add the diced onions to the browned beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This layering of flavors is crucial for developing depth in this quick-cooking dish.

  Step 4: Incorporate Spices and Liquids

  Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce and diced tomatoes with their juice. The acidity from the tomatoes will help tenderize the cabbage while adding richness to the sauce.

  Step 5: Add and Cook the Cabbage

  Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.

  Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

  Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  

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Nutritional Information

This ground beef cabbage recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 25g (50% of average daily requirement)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (with 4g dietary fiber)
• Fat: 18g (with 6g saturated fat)
• Vitamin C: 70% of daily recommended intake (thanks to the cabbage)
• Iron: 20% of daily recommended intake

Cabbage is also rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, making this dish not just delicious but nutritious as well.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For those watching their caloric intake or following specific diets, consider these healthier modifications:

• Use extra-lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey breast to reduce fat content by up to
• Replace half the meat with cooked brown lentils to increase fiber and reduce calories
• Add extra vegetables like grated carrots or diced bell peppers to boost nutrients and volume
• Use sodium-free diced tomatoes and reduce added salt for a lower-sodium version
• For a low-carb option, double the cabbage and reduce the tomatoes

These simple swaps can reduce calories by up to 30% while maintaining the satisfying flavor profile of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile ground beef cabbage recipe pairs beautifully with:

• A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top
• Crusty whole-grain bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
• Simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice
• Mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes

For a complete Eastern European-inspired meal, serve alongside pickled beets or cucumber salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the cabbage: It should be tender but still have some texture. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and release a strong sulfurous smell.
• Underseasoning: Cabbage needs proper seasoning to shine. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and aromatics.
• Rushing the cooking process: While this is a quick recipe, allowing the flavors to meld is important. Those final 25-30 minutes of simmering are crucial for flavor development.
• Using too small a pan: Cabbage reduces in volume as it cooks, but you need enough space initially to stir everything without spilling.
• Skipping the Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient adds umami depth that’s difficult to replicate with other seasonings.

Storing Tips for the Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe

This ground beef cabbage recipe actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop.
• Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
• Make-ahead tips: You can chop all vegetables a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.

Conclusion

This simple yet flavorful ground beef cabbage recipe is a testament to how humble ingredients can transform into a satisfying meal with minimal effort. In just 60 minutes, you’ve created a nutritious, comforting dish that works equally well for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for customization based on your dietary preferences and available ingredients.

Why not add this to your weekly meal rotation? It’s economical, nutritious, and sure to become a family favorite. Share your own variations or serving ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to try our other quick one-pan recipes!